Medical Shoes For Diabetics | Eldoctorz.com (2024)

FAQs

What kind of shoes should a diabetic wear? ›

Look for shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel. Steer clear of tight or constricting footwear: Tight shoes can cause circulation problems, leading to poor wound healing in diabetic patients. Avoid shoes that squeeze your feet or have tight straps.

Most patients with diabetes qualify for footwear and inserts under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. Medicare covers patients for one pair of shoes and three inserts per year.

Medicare pays only for therapeutic footwear from Medicare-approved suppliers, reimbursing 80% of the cost either to the patient or after the Part B deductible is met. The patient is responsible for the other 20% -- or more if the supplier does not "accept assignment" from Medicare.

Diabetic shoes provide orthopedic and podiatric advantages, including: Improved comfort, stability, and motion control of the foot. Easing of diabetic foot pain, swelling, and numbness. Elimination of pressure points that can lead to skin breakage, causing infections, sores, and skin ulcers.

The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and you must get the shoes or inserts from one of these: A podiatrist. An orthotist.

Most Medicaid enrollees receive insulin for free or at a significantly reduced cost. However, each state makes its own determination about which diabetes medications and supplies are covered through its Medicaid program.

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR MEDICARE DIABETIC FOOTWEAR COVERAGE

Protective footwear can reduce complications of the foot and the number of diabetic amputations. Not only does Medicare cover diabetic shoes but so does Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield and most other insurances.

NHS podiatry services are offered free of charge. Treatment is directed at three specialist areas of care: People with diabetes and/or other circulatory or neurological conditions that can affect foot health.

“The Skechers Go Walk shoes are a good option for [people with diabetes] due to the laceless fit design that offers a breathable, athletic mesh upper, the responsive 5GEN cushioning, and a Goga Max high-rebound response for assistance with propulsion,” Daughtry explains.

Do you need prescription for orthopedic shoes? ›

You will require a prescription for custom made or customized orthopedic shoes from a physician, podiatrist or chiropodist*.

Yes, Medicare provides extra foot-related coverage for diabetics. That's because they may develop neuropathy, which is nerve damage in the feet and legs, or peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet. These problems increase the risk of ulcers and infections that may eventually lead to amputation.

When shopping for shoes, it's best to avoid: High-heeled shoes because they put pressure on the ball of your foot. If you have nerve damage, you may not be aware of any aches or callus forming. Flip-flops and other open-toe shoes make your feet more vulnerable to injury.

Steer clear of sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toe shoes. Straps can put pressure on parts of your foot, leading to sores and blisters. Open-toe shoes can make you prone to injuries like cuts. It's also easier for gravel and small stones to get inside them.

Diabetics who struggle to control their A1C tend to have more foot issues because consistently high blood sugar contributes to nerve damage and other health problems. That's one reason why we strongly recommend that diabetic patients wear socks and shoes as often as possible.

Diabetic shoe provides a spacious toe-box to offer extra room for the toes—especially important when considering deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. They also often have extra depth to accommodate custom orthotic inserts, providing even greater support and distribution of weight away from pressure points.

Keeping Your Foot Protected Matters

Always wear socks and shoes, even indoors, to prevent injury.

Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet.

Patients are encouraged to wear crocs after surgery especially when the feet have swollen. Diabetic patients are also encouraged to wear crocs during summer because they are more comfortable compared to diabetic shoes. These kinds of shoes are also cooler to wear in a warm environment.