What to Look for in Therapeutic Shoes - At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Therapeutic shoes are recommended for diabetics with existing foot problems or to prevent foot conditions from progressing into serious complications. These type of shoes are special footwear used by amputees and diabetics who are at high risk for nerve damage, foot deformity and foot ulcers.

Forgiving Toe Box

Your shoe’s toe box should allow your toes to move freely. Friction among the toes from hard, confined toe boxes can lead to foot ulcers or even foot deformities. A wide toe box helps prevent the development of hammertoes or relieve the pain associated with this condition.

Regular foot checks are essential especially for diabetics. If you are a diabetic, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist for any sign of foot disorders. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders and injuries.

Comfortable Material

Shoes made from soft leathers or cloth allows your feet to move freely inside the shoe. Blisters could easily develop as the skin rubs against rough surfaces. Shoes made of flexible materials makes it possible for it to conform to your foot’s unique shape. This rather than having your feet compressed tightly against tight the walls of your shoes.

Special Inserts

Those suffering from flat foot or high arches could use special inserts to provide additional support to their feet. A special insert assists in helping the feet achieve its normal form. This ensures optimum weight distribution in the feet which helps relieve arch or heel pain for those suffering from flat foot or high arches.

Shoe laces and Straps

Shoes with laces or straps allows you to adjust the tightness or fitment of your shoes to your liking. This is especially useful for diabetics suffering from poor circulation in their feet. Shoe laces makes it possible for them to loosen up their shoes to allow a smoother flow of blood to the feet.

Quick Benefits of Therapeutic Shoes

• Therapeutic shoes provide added support
• Better blood flow to the feet
• Realign simple foot deformities
• Minimize pain from foot deformities such as hammertoes
• Brings added comfort to your feet
• Better mobility for those with foot disorders
• Cheaper method of correcting simple foot deformities and preventing further foot damage

Therapeutic shoes has always been a great way of treating simple foot disorders and preventing these from progressing into something more serious. These shoes may not have been popular because it simply didn’t matched their wardrobe. But today’s therapeutic shoes have gone a long way in terms of design and could be used for formal and informal wear.   

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,we specialize in helping people with foot conditions.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Getting Rid of Cracked Heels Safely for Diabetics - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Cuts and wounds are easy entry points for infection. And when you’re suffering from diabetes, a simple wound could quickly turn out to be a full-blown infection that may require amputation. Complications from diabetes could have a serious implication on foot health. People with poor eyesight can suffer from a fall or accident which can lead to sprains or foot injuries. 

A cracked heel should also be treated with the same level of concern.  Like wounds or cuts, cracked heels can be entry points of infection. And of course there is the problem of wearing sandals that visually expose these unsightly cracked heels. 

There are a few simple reminders when treating cracked heels in diabetics. Greater care should be done when treating cracked heels due to numerous diabetic complications. For diabetics suffering from a foot disorder, consulting a podiatrist is recommended. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot disorders in diabetics. 

Cracked Heel Treatment for Diabetics

Inspect your heels daily for cracks or sores. The best way to treat cracked heels is to manage it during its early stages. Daily feet inspection is advised for diabetics. Use your fingers to feel any skin thickening. This might not be visible to diabetics suffering from poor eyesight or have lost nerve sensations in their feet. 

 Drink 8 glasses of water or more to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Diabetics are at higher risk for dehydration or fluid loss due to high glucose levels in their blood. Provide you skin with that extra level of protection against dry skin by keeping yourself hydrated. 

Washing our feet regularly should be done with or without cracked feet. But this should take more urgency when we have diabetes. Cracked feet could provide germs an opportunity to infect. Just be sure to dry the feet thoroughly especially between the toes. 

A pumice stone comes highly recommended when filing away excess skin on the heels. However, this should be done gradually to avoid creating cuts or bruising the skin. 

Use a moisturizer to soften up the skin after washing or before going to bed. Lotions help lock moisture and helps in softening dry skin. Apply moisturizers after a bath or before sleep.  

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping diabetics with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.