13 June 2018
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

Custom orthotic services can help a wide range of people with various foot ailments. If you are diabetic, it is even more important for you to invest in customized services for the health of your feet and prevention of serious diabetes-related complications. Keep reading to learn more about how orthotic services can help you. 

Reduce Pressure Points

Unnatural pressure points on the feet can often lead to corns and calluses, which can be difficult to eliminate without surgical intervention. For diabetics, the risks associated with these pressure points are higher. The skin underneath the hardened layer of skin could be ulcerated, which increases your risk of infection. In general, anywhere there is pressure or friction against your feet while wearing shoes could lead to abrasions. Diabetics must be especially vigilant about avoiding injuries to their feet, especially if they have neuropathy. Custom orthotics are made based on the unique shape of your feet to help cushion areas receiving more pressure. As part of your customized services, you might also receive orthoses to reduce pressure points on the top of your feet if you have any toe deformities.

Improve Your Gait

Taking care of your feet and preventing injuries can also include orthotics that address gait issues. It's not uncommon for your feet to lean to one side or another as you walk, or you may have other gait concerns. When you have poor biomechanics, other problems can arise, such as pain in your knees, hips, and back. Orthotics used to improve these conditions can also be helpful to reduce your risk of injury from falling if your gait is beginning to affect your walking or neuropathy is contributing to issues with unsteadiness. For example, diabetic neuropathy can cause diabetic foot drop, which causes the person to drag their toes against the ground at the end of a step. The impact may seem subtle, but it can easily contribute to tripping or stumbling when walking. Orthotics designed to keep the foot flexed during walking may prevent the toes from dragging against the ground.

Find Specialty Footwear

Many customized orthotic services also offer specialty footwear. Unlike buying your shoes at a retail store, you can have your feet professionally measured to find the right fit and find shoes that will work for any foot or musculoskeletal issues you might have. Many diabetics wear shoes specifically for their condition. In addition to these shoes reducing the risk of foot injuries, friction, and compression, they are generally easier to put on and take off. Some may have wider and/or deeper toe boxes to accommodate swelling or changes that can occur in the feet once diabetic neuropathy occurs. Some diabetics also use specialty socks to help with neuropathy, which may be offered by a custom orthotic service.

Custom orthotics services can be beneficial to anyone dealing with foot issues, but they are essential for those with diabetes. Preventing foot injuries is one way to reduce the risk of amputation.