Shoes intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics
Many diabetic shoes have velcro closures for ease of application and removal.
Diabetic shoes (sometimes referred to asextra depth,therapeuticshoes orsugar shoes) are specially designedshoes, orshoe inserts, intended to reduce the risk ofskin breakdown indiabetics with existingfoot disease and relieve pressure to preventdiabetic foot ulcers.
People withdiabetic neuropathy in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are.[1] Anulcer under the foot can develop in a couple of hours. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, which can include strain, ulcers,calluses, or evenamputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation.[2] Neuropathy can also change the shape of a person's feet, which limits the range of shoes that can be worn comfortably.[3] In addition to meeting strict guidelines, diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a physician and fit by a certified individual, such as an orthotist, podiatrist, therapeutic shoe fitter, orpedorthist. The shoes must also be equipped with a removableorthosis. Foot orthoses are devices such as shoe inserts, arch supports, or shoe fillers such as lifts, wedges and heels. The diabetic shoes, chappal, and custom-molded inserts work together as a preventive system[4] to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility.[5][6][7]
The evidence for special footwear to treat diabetic foot ulcers is poor,[8] but their effectiveness for prevention is well-established.[9][10][11] Design features of footwear that are effective in reducing pressure arearch supports, cushioned cut-outs around points at risk of damage, and cushioning at theball of the foot. Technology for measuring the pressure within the shoes is recommended during designing diabetic footwear.[12][13]
^Healy A, Naemi R, Chockalingam N (July–August 2013). "The effectiveness of footwear as an intervention to prevent or to reduce biomechanical risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulceration: a systematic review".Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications.27 (4):391–400.doi:10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2013.03.001.PMID23643441.
^Healy A, Naemi R, Chockalingam N (September 18, 2014). "The effectiveness of footwear and other removable off-loading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review".Current Diabetes Reviews.10 (4):215–230.doi:10.2174/1573399810666140918121438.PMID25245020.
^Healy A, Naemi R, Chockalingam N (September 18, 2014). "The effectiveness of footwear and other removable off-loading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review".Current Diabetes Reviews.10 (4):215–230.doi:10.2174/1573399810666140918121438.PMID25245020.
^Heuch L, Streak Gomersall J (July 2016). "Effectiveness of offloading methods in preventing primary diabetic foot ulcers in adults with diabetes: a systematic review".JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports.14 (7):236–265.doi:10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003013.PMID27532798.S2CID12012686.
