If the shoe fits...

Fashion can cost you an arm and a leg, or at least a toe and a leg. Podiatrist Tye Lee Tze points out that the sole purpose of footwear is to protect and save the feet, not to wear them down.

   

Statistics in Singapore show that one toe and one leg are being amputated every day. These amputations are a result of complications due to diabetes.

Unsuitable shoes are a common cause of injuries which can lead a person with diabetes down the slippery slide to infection, gangrene and amputation.

It is imperative then that people with diabetes choose comfortable shoes that fit well and do not hurt their feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Do's and Don'ts of Choosing Suitable Shoes

Do

• choose a covered shoe. Protection is the most important characteristic for people with  diabetes.


• ensure proper fitting of the shoe. The shoe must not be too tight nor to loose. There should    not be any areas of rubbing. The shoe does not have to stretch to fit properly. There should be one thumbnail width from the end of the shoe to your longest toe.


• ensure that the shoe should have a wide and deep toebox. Pointy toes are a definite no-no.


• ensure that there is adequate padding on the topline, tongue or other areas that may rub against your skin.

 

• Have both your feet measured as one foot is usually  bigger than the other. Fit the shoes to the bigger foot.

• Buy shoes in the evening as your foot may become bigger at the end of the day.

• Buy shoes with either laces, adjustable straps or Velcro. This is to allow a better fit. Slip-ons are not encouraged.

 

 

Don't

 

• for ladies, choose a shoe with a heel height of more than one inch. Or a shoe with a small or slender heel (kitten heel or stiletto type).


• buy a shoe solely for its brand (all brands can make shoes which are unsuitable for you). It is better to buy shoes which have certain characteristics that are more suitable for you. You can ask your podiatrist about these characteristics.


• buy a shoe which does not fit just because you have been pressured by the sales person. Remember the wrong fitting may cost you your foot.


• be surprised if the shoe sizes differ greatly from one shoe type to another. This is because different shoe companies may use different sizing practices. The best way to determine the right size is by trying the shoe on.

 

• use the same shoe for all activities e.g. your business shoes for travelling. If you are going to do a lot of walking, a pair of walking or sports shoes is more suitable.
 

Most shoes recommended by podiatrists may not make it to the top ten list of haute couture foot fashion. But if it means sacrificing your feet, it is definitely not worth the pain. Remember that your own legs, feet and toes will always look better than any artificial limb.

           
 

FOOTNOTES

 

• One in every six people with diabetes will have a foot ulcer during their lifetime.

   Each year 4 million people worldwide get a foot ulcer.

 • It is estimated that up to 85% of amputations could be avoided.