Learn how to keep your feet healthy with diabetes. Recognize symptoms of nerve damage, sores, deformities, and fungal infections. Get tips on managing foot issues, choosing the right shoes, and more from Beck's Shoes.
Types of Diabetic Issues, Definitions, Solutions and Treatments
Neuropathy, foot ulcers, deformities, infections and how to treat them.
Foot health is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as high blood sugar can lead to serious complications. This article explores common diabetic foot problems, including neuropathy, ulcers, deformities, and fungal infections, outlining their symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies. It emphasizes the importance of blood sugar management, proper footwear, and regular foot checks. Learn how Beck’s Shoes can assist in finding the right shoes, socks, and orthotics to support healthy feet and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Definition: Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, often affecting the feet.
Symptoms: Tingling or burning sensations, numbness or loss of feeling in the feet, increased sensitivity to touch.
Causes: Poorly controlled diabetes damages the nerves, particularly in extremities like the feet.
Treatment Options:
Protective Footwear: Use diabetic non-binding socks and well-cushioned shoes to reduce pressure. At Beck’s Shoes, we offer a wide variety of diabetic socks designed to be soft, breathable, and non-constricting, minimizing the risk of irritation. We also carry shoes with features like extra depth for comfortable accommodation of custom orthotics, and seamless interiors to prevent rubbing.
Â
Regular Checkups: Monitor feet for injuries, as numbness may prevent noticing cuts or blisters.
Foot Ulcers
Definition: Foot ulcers are open sores that develop due to poor circulation and reduced healing capacity in diabetics.
Symptoms: A red or swollen wound on the bottom of the foot, drainage or pus from the ulcer, a foul odor in severe cases.
Causes: Pressure points on the feet, combined with neuropathy and poor circulation, lead to ulcers.
Treatment Options:
Pressure Relief: Use cushioned insoles to reduce pressure on the ulcer. Beck’s Shoes can help you find the right insoles, including those with specialized cushioning for diabetic foot care.
Wound Care: Keep the ulcer clean and covered; seek medical attention for severe cases.
Preventive Measures: Comfortable, breathable, and supportive footwear can prevent recurrence. We offer a wide selection of shoes with features like deep toe boxes, round toe boxes for wider feet, and shoes that go all the way up to a triple wide to accommodate various foot shapes.
Deformities
Deformities: Hammertoes, Claw Toes, and Bunions
Definition: Deformities like hammertoes (bent middle joint), claw toes (bent at both joints), and bunions (a bump at the base of the big toe) are common in diabetics.
Symptoms: Pain or discomfort when walking, visible misalignment of toes or joints, corns or calluses forming over pressure points.
Causes: Nerve damage, weakened foot muscles, and poorly fitting shoes.
Treatment Options:
Custom Orthotics: Insoles designed to reduce pressure and provide support. Beck’s Shoes can assist you in finding suitable over-the-counter orthotics or refer you to a podiatrist for custom-made options.
Footwear Adjustments: Shoes with a wide toe box to accommodate deformities. We offer numerous options with ample toe room, including shoes specifically designed for diabetic foot care.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility.
Fungal Infections
Definition: Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are common due to compromised immune function in diabetics.
Symptoms: Itchy, red, and cracked skin (athlete’s foot), thickened, discolored, or brittle nails (toenail fungus).
Causes: Warm, moist environments promote fungal growth, and reduced immunity makes diabetics more susceptible.
Treatment Options:
Antifungal Treatments: Topical creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor.
Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry, and change socks regularly.
Breathable Footwear: Use shoes made from materials that allow airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Beck’s Shoes offers a wide range of breathable shoes, including those made with moisture-wicking materials and mesh panels.
Essential Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Find the Right Solutions at Beck's Shoes
Daily Inspections: Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
Choose the Right Socks: Diabetic socks are non-binding, moisture-wicking, and cushioned for added protection.
Invest in Good Footwear: Look for shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and breathable to prevent pressure points and fungal infections.
Use Antibacterial Insoles: Insoles with antibacterial properties can reduce the risk of infections while providing cushioning.
Stay Active: Light exercises can improve circulation to your feet.
At Beck’s Shoes, we understand the importance of proper foot care for people with diabetes. Our experienced staff can help you find the right shoes, socks, and orthotics to address your specific needs. We offer a wide selection of options, including:
Diabetic-friendly shoes: Featuring features like extra depth, wide toe boxes, and supportive soles.
Non-binding diabetic socks: Made with soft, breathable materials to minimize irritation.
Cushioned insoles: Designed to reduce pressure and provide support.
Brands like New Balance and Brooks: Offer shoes with features like roll bar support for added stability.
 Lightweight and cushy options like Hoka and Fresh Foam New Balance models: Provide immediate cushion and impact absorption to help take pressure off painful areas in the soles of the feet.
Taking care of your feet is essential for managing diabetes. By staying proactive with proper footwear, hygiene, and regular checkups, you can prevent and manage these common foot issues effectively. If you notice any persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately to avoid complications.
Visit your nearest Beck’s Shoes location today to discuss your specific needs with our experienced staff and find the right solutions for healthy, happy feet.
Even More Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Leave a Reply
Blogs by Erin Beck-Maver
Erin Beck-Maver is a 5th Generation Beck.
Recent Posts
Follow Us
Sign up for our Newsletter
We never spam. Period. You just get the latest from Beck’s directly in your inbox.Â
