A new year brings new goals, new resolutions, and new opportunities to live a healthier, happier life. For those who suffer from diabetes, it may bring something else—the chance to pick up a new pair of therapeutic diabetic shoes to help keep feet comfortable and safe from dangerous foot ulcers. 
Medicare will pay 80% of the allowed amount for fitting and furnishing a new pair of custom-molded therapeutic shoes once each calendar year for qualified patients, and other private insurers may offer similar benefits (or help you cover the remaining 20%). If your old pair of diabetic shoes needs replacement, or you have a history of foot ulcers, neuropathy, poor circulation, or foot deformity, January is a great time to consider therapeutic shoes.
Diabetic shoes are strongly encouraged for our patients who struggle with sensation loss in their lower limbs, especially those who have a previous history with open sores or wounds on their feet. If your circulation has been impaired, it doesn’t take long for a small cut or blister to become a wound. If you have neuropathy, you might not detect it until significant damage has already occurred. In many cases, an untreated wound can even lead to partial or complete amputation of the foot in order to stop the spread of infection.
Diabetic shoes, simply put, save your feet from costly complications. They do this by providing a host of features that protect feet and address common diabetic foot challenges. This includes extra depth to accommodate custom inserts, firm heel counters and non-skid soles to increase stability, extra padding with few stitches to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and irritation, and more.
Our office performs fittings for both diabetic shoes and custom orthotics, and we partner with several different suppliers so that you can choose a pair that meets your medical needs and suits your own personal aesthetic style.
Are You Looking For Diabetic Foot Care in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for diabetic foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
