Dr. Charles Tirone, DPM of the Foot Specialists of Greater Cincinnati specializes in sizing and fitting custom shoes and footwear for persons with diabetes.
Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for diabetics, even for those in the earliest stages of the disease. If there is a lack of sensation in the feet called “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy“, then wearing the correct footwear is crucial.
What are the objectives in diabetic shoes?
- Relieve areas of excessive pressure. Any area where there is excessive pressure on the foot can lead to skin breakdown or ulcers. Footwear should help to relieve these high-pressure areas and therefore reduce the occurrence of related problems.
- Reduce shock and shear. A reduction in the overall amount of vertical pressure, or shock, on the bottom of the foot is desirable, as well as a reduction of horizontal movement of the foot within the shoe, or shear.
- Accommodate, stabilize and support deformities. Deformities resulting from conditions such as Charcot involvement, loss of fatty tissue, hammer toes and amputations must be accommodated. Many deformities need to be stabilized to relieve pain and avoid further destruction. In addition, some deformities may need to be controlled or supported to decrease progression of the deformity.
- Limit motion of joints. Limiting the motion of certain joints in the foot can often decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and result in a more stable and functional foot.
For more information about diabetic shoes and to be fitted with diabetic shoes, please call greater Cincinnati foot doctor Dr. Charles Tirone, DPM, ABFAS at 859-341-9900 to schedule an appointment at one of our two greater Cincinnati office locations.