Medicare Diabetic Shoes

Yes, our office participates in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe program. If you have Diabetes and meet the Medicare requirements, then you have benefits for 1 pair of Deep Depth Diabetic shoes and 3 pair of custom inserts.

We have a wide selection of shoes. Marathon Orthotics is our vendor for shoes. See the link to Marathon Orthotics. Click on the link, wait for site to load and click on Medicare for more information.

Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are approximentely 16 million Americans with diabetes. Unfortunately, these numbers continues to grow.

Twenty-five percent of persons with diabetes develop foot problems related to the disease.

Recognizing this problem, Congress approved the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill; helping thousands of persons with diabetes obtain protective footwear and inserts.

See your Podiatrist
Make a appointment with Affiliated Foot and Ankle to evaluate your current foot issues.

Call for an appointment
763-383-8808

Diabetic shoes, sometimes referred to as extra depth or therapeutic shoes, are specially designed shoes or inserts intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with co-existing foot disease.

People with decreased feeling in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are. An ulcer under the foot can develop in a couple of hours. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, such as: strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation. In addition to meeting strict guidelines, diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a physician and fit by a qualified individual, such as a certified pedorthist. The shoes must also be equipped with a removable orthotic. Foot orthotics are devices such as shoe inserts, arch supports, or shoe fillers such as lifts, wedges and heels. The diabetic shoes and customized insoles work together as a preventative system to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility.

1. If the Shoe Fits

Diabetes causes problems with circulation to the extremities, which includes the feet. Without the right shoes, feet become irritated or infected. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to amputation. So, for diabetics, the right foot wear is crucial. Ill fitting shoes lessen foot sensitivity and before you know it, you have sores or an infection. Shoes designed for the diabetic help ease stress to the feet and keep diabetic feet healthy and free from disease.
2. What the Doctor Ordered

The first stop on the way to buying diabetic shoes is a visit to your doctor or podiatrist. The doctor will let you know if you have any nerve damage in your feet due to your diabetes. If nerve damage is present it's important to buy shoes specifically designed for diabetics. Nerve damage means you can't feel pressure or irritation like someone without diabetes, and bad fitting shoes will eventually cause problems. Without proper feeling, shoes that are too tight rub blisters that lead to infection and other serious complications.
3. Fit Comes First

Although most people buy shoes because of how they look, diabetics need shoes for how they fit. The design of a diabetic shoe takes into consideration the need for good circulation to the feet. Diabetic shoes come in many varieties and designs for different activities. Buy diabetic shoes for whatever activity you need them for. You may need a pair for walking, the office or everyday use. At the very least, buy diabetic shoes you can use everyday.
4. How to Choose

The best way to choose diabetic shoes is by wearing the socks or hosiery you'll be wearing with the shoes on a regular basis. If you buy shoes that feel great in the store but are too tight when you change socks, this defeats the purpose of getting the right fit. Purchase lace-up shoes instead of slip-ons to prevent pressure to the skin when putting on and removing shoes. Slip on shoes fit more tightly as a general rule because they need to stay snug while wearing. So, lace-up shoes provide the flexibility for tightening and loosening as needed.
5. Happy Hour for Feet

The best time for anyone to buy shoes is at the end of the day. Feet tend to be more their regular size after an entire day of walking, sitting and standing. Feet are a bit larger at the end of the day, so this gives a truer fit that will feel comfortable all the time. If you buy shoes in the morning, you might end up with something too tight, and for the diabetic this is dangerous. Diabetics need shoes that fit right all the time, so buy them at the end of the day to ensure comfort and proper fit throughout the day.

About this Author

Susan Faulk has taught health, physical education and fitness for over 13 years in public schools, at the college level and now as an online fitness teacher for over 500 high school students nationwide. Faulk coached women's college basketball where she trained her players with a focus on injury prevention.

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763-383-8808