November is National Diabetes Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about an often-overlooked part of diabetes care: your feet. If you’re living with diabetes, you know that managing blood sugar levels is only one piece of the puzzle.
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. This combination increases your risk of foot pain, ulcers, and infection.
But here’s the good news: with the right footwear and custom orthotics, you can stay comfortable and protect your feet from serious complications at the same time.
Read on as our team of experts at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic in Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois, explains what causes diabetic foot pain and how custom orthotics and prescription shoes can help.
Before we talk about prescription shoes and orthotics, let’s first tackle this question: what causes diabetic foot pain in the first place?
The short answer: nerve damage and poor circulation.
High blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in your legs and feet. This can cause tingling, burning, or numbness.
Numbness might sound like a good thing when compared with burning sensations, but numbness can be just as problematic. It can make it difficult to feel small cuts or blisters. Reduced blood flow slows healing, increasing your risk of infection and more serious problems like ulcers.
High blood sugar can contribute to the development of plaque in your blood vessels. More plaque means reduced blood flow.
Poor circulation and narrowed blood vessels can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can cause pain when you walk (claudication), cramping, pain at night, and cold feet. This is a common source of diabetic foot pain. Over 2 million people worldwide have it.
Custom orthotics are specially designed inserts made to fit the unique shape of your foot. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are based on your foot anatomy, providing targeted support and pressure relief exactly where you need it.
This can:
At Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic, our specialists take detailed measurements and create orthotics that match your foot structure, gait, and lifestyle needs.
Sometimes, orthotics aren’t enough on their own. Prescription diabetic shoes go a step further. Prescription shoes are custom-made shoes that are made from a model of your foot.
Prescription shoes:
When combined with custom orthotics, these shoes can dramatically improve comfort, stability, and long-term foot health.
Even with the best orthotics and shoes, daily foot checks are non-negotiable when you have diabetes. Look for cuts, redness, or swelling, especially if you have numbness and might not feel injuries right away. If you notice anything unusual, contact Dr. Mahmood or Dr. Wilson right away.
This National Diabetes Month, make your foot health a priority. Custom orthotics and prescription diabetic shoes aren’t just about comfort. They’re about preserving your mobility and preventing serious complications.
To schedule a diabetic foot exam, call us at 219-214-2047 or click here to schedule a consultation.
