FOOT ORTHOTICS FOR
DIABETICS
Diabetes in itself isn't something an orthotic can even remotely begin to fix...
However, a lot of the foot complications that can occur from being diabetic can be well managed with an accommodative or offloading custom foot orthotic and appropriate shoe. When it comes to diabetes, a foot orthotic is a small but significant piece of the treatment plan that can disperse plantar pressure, reduce the chance of getting foot ulcers, and help prevent foot and toe amputations - Keeping you mobile for as long as possible
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
In other words, this means poor circulation and is caused by a build up of plaque and fat that narrows and restricts blood flow. By the time the blood gets to the furthest part of your body, the feet, there is limited blood supply which can cause damage to tissues, cells, and it takes much longer to heal wounds - especially if you cant feel them.
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
Also known as lack of sensation, numbness, and or tingling that usually starts in the toes and feet and can make its way up the lower leg. When this happens, things like high pressure areas from a shoe being to small or even a rock in your shoe can go unnoticed - leading to wounds and sores. If left untreated these can turn into ulcers and infection.
ULCERS AND INFECTIONS
An ulcer is an open sore that can show up on your toes, forefoot, heel, and above the ankle. If they show up on the bottom of your foot and you continue to walk on them it can cause irritation which prevents them from healing. If left open long enough, the ulcer can get infected and in some cases amputation of a portion, or the whole foot may be the only way to prevent the spread.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
In many cases, the above complications work simultaneously, piggy backing on one another making things much harder to manage. Many of us don't look at the bottom of our feet on a daily basis, and many of us have a hard time doing so if mobility becomes an issue. If a lack of sensation and awareness to foot health goes un noticed, the consequences can be quite severe.
DIABETIC TREATMENT
CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
For individuals living with diabetes - particularly those experiencing peripheral neuropathy - foot care is not just about comfort; it is a vital component of long-term health and limb preservation. When neuropathy limits the body’s ability to feel pain, "silent" injuries can quickly escalate into serious medical concerns. An accommodative orthotic is specifically engineered to protect the "at-risk" foot by prioritizing pressure redistribution and soft-tissue protection over rigid structural correction. We can create "cutouts" or recessed areas within the orthotic. These modifications allow sensitive areas or pre-ulcerative calluses to "float" without touching the base of the shoe, effectively removing the friction and vertical force that causes concern. We also focus on a softer orthotic style, to make sure no harsh edges get in the way with our foot care plan.