Diabetic Foot Care Products
Proper foot care is especially important for diabetics. Because of nerve damage
caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), people with diabetes may need special diabetic foot care products to protect against dangerous sores that do not heal.
Fortunately, simple daily care — and special diabetic foot care products in some cases — can help diabetic feet stay healthy.
Diabetic Foot Care Products and Medicare
The good news is that Medicare covers the cost of some diabetic foot care products. Under its Therapeutic Shoe Program, Medicare pays for one pair of diabetic shoes per year and special inserts for those shoes for those who qualify. Medicare will pay 80 percent of the allowed amount. Most secondary insurers will help pay the other 20 percent.
To get your diabetic foot care products covered, you must be under a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan and have one or more of the following:
- History of partial or complete amputation of the foot
- History of previous foot ulceration
- History of pre-ulcerative callus
- Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation
- Foot deformity
- Poor circulation
The physician treating you for your diabetes must certify that you are eligible (Medicare has a special form for this certification) and provide a prescription for the diabetic foot care products. The footwear must then be fitted and furnished by a podiatrist or other qualified individual, such as a pedorthist, orthotist or prosthetist.
An Overview of Diabetic Foot Care Products
Diabetic Socks — Using anti-bacterial fibers engineered to wick away moisture, seamless diabetic socks help minimize the rubbing irritation that can lead to diabetic foot complications.
Diabetic Insoles — Made from gel or another moldable material, diabetic insoles can provide padding and arch support.
Diabetic Foot Mirrors — If you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet, a special mirror can help.
Diabetic Sandals — These are designed to provide both ventilation and protection, are a safer alternative to conventional sandals, which can increase your risk of developing diabetic foot problems.
Many patients with diabetes need special diabetic foot care products prescribed by a physician, including:
Healing Shoes — Immediately following surgery or ulcer treatment, some type of shoe may be necessary before a regular shoe can be worn. These include custom sandals, heat-moldable healing shoes and postoperative shoes.
In-depth Shoes — The in-depth shoe is generally an oxford-type or athletic shoe with an additional 1/4- to 1/2-inch of depth to accommodate any needed inserts
Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have had diabetes for many years, the right diabetic foot care products can help prevent serious foot problems. Be sure to talk to your physician about what is right for you.
Tags: diabetes complications, diabetic foot care, diabetic foot care products, Foot Care, Neuropathy
