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The Facts
Approximately 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes (about one out of every eighteen), and that number is growing. About 65% of people with diabetes have a mild to severe form of nerve damage (called peripheral neuropathy) that can deprive them of their protective sensation in their feet.
This lack of sensation makes it impossible to determine if their shoes fit or to detect foot abrasions from socks, misfit shoes or foreign objects in the shoe or on walking surfaces. These abrasions often don’t heal because of the poor circulation that accompanies diabetes. These non-healing abrasions become ulcers, which can get infected or gangrenous. If the infections go unchecked, the limb will have to be amputated.
Statistics show that 30% of diabetics that lose one limb from amputation will lose the other limb within three years. Sixty percent of people with diabetes will die within five years of their first lower limb amputation.
These statistics show why it is so imperative to prevent the “first” lower limb amputation.
Shoes, Custom Shoes and Orthoses
People with diabetes usually require foot orthoses to balance and protect the foot and to unload and alleviate diabetic foot problems. The diabetic foot is the hardest foot to manage because it has all of the biomechanical challenges that non-diabetic feet have, coupled with the soft tissue challenges related to diabetes. Certified Pedorthists are specifically trained to manage diabetic feet and to help in the healing of current ulcers and the prevention of future ulcers
Most diabetic feet can be managed with off-the-shelf shoes. However, in many cases, including many Charcot conditions, a custom molded shoe is the best treatment for the person with diabetes. Your Pedorthist will explain the construction and performance expectations of your shoes, inserts, or foot orthoses. Remember that all inserts and orthoses work as a unit with the shoes you are wearing. If your shoes are improper or fit incorrectly, the orthoses can even cause harm rather than alleviate it.
Make sure you check your feet, shoes, and insoles/orthoses regularly. Revisit your Certified Pedorthist for a free check-up within one week of purchasing any new footwear from Shoes-n-Stuff. Remember to revisit your Certified Pedorthist for a free check-up at least every three months.You owe it to your feet!
Additional Sources of Information
• American Diabetes Association: (1-800-342-2383)
• American Association of Diabetes Educators: (1-800-338-3633)
• American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: (1-800-421-2237)
• American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society: (1-206-223-1120)
• American Physical Therapy Association: (1-800-999-2782)
• American Podiatric Medical Association: (1-800-275-2762)
• Pedorthic Footwear Association: (1-800-673-8447)
• Prescription Foot Orthotic Laboratory Association: (1-800-347-6585)
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