3 TYPES OF DIABETIC SHOES IN MALAYSIA I SOUTHERN CRESCENT

According to the Health Ministry, almost one in five Malaysian adults, or about 3.9 million estimated to be living with diabetes in this country.  The percentage of diabetic adults in Malaysia had skyrocketed from 11.2% in 2011 to 18.3% in 2019.

In fact, diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases affecting Malaysians. But what’s more worrying is that about half of diabetic patients are unaware that this disease could lead to other health conditions. 

Do you have diabetes? Read on to find out more about shoes designed for people with diabetes and why you might need them.

HOW DIABETES CAUSE FOOT PROBLEM?

Poorly controlled blood sugar can contribute to poor blood circulation which can damage nerves in your feet. This condition is known as neuropathy.  Neuropathy will cause you to lose feeling in your feet, which may make it difficult for you to realize if you cut or injure your foot.

Here comes the bigger issue; if you leave a cut untreated, it can lead to an infection. Even minor foot problems that seem insignificant, like blisters, can be a cause of concern if you have diabetes. Because of poor circulation to the area, any foot problem will take longer to heal.

The injury that initially just a small cut may compound and grow into a dangerous infection that can progress and lead to amputations if not correctly treated. This is why any foot issues should be called to the attention of your doctor if you have diabetes. 

Foot injuries can make your regular shoes feel uncomfortable. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose can put you at risk for foot problems, or make your foot problems worsen. Don’t try to squeeze your feet into uncomfortable shoes. Instead, wear specially designed shoes made for people with diabetes. 

By wearing the right shoes, you’ll be more comfortable. It also can help reduce risk and promote healthy circulation in your feet. 

WHICH DIABETIC SHOES DO I NEED?

A study found that diabetic patients who were using therapeutic footwear showed lower foot pressure and reduced new ulceration¹. This consequently decreases the amputation rate in the diabetic population.

There are three options of diabetic shoes that your doctor or podiatrist will suggest based on your foot problem:

HEALING SHOES

These shoes are worn while you recover from foot sores or foot surgery. Medsurg Postoperative Shoe with square-toe design acts as a bumper to protect the toes when k-wires are present and provides better fit. 

The relaxed rocker sole allows you to walk easily and eliminates high-pressure strikes where wounds are most likely to occur. It also provides more rigid control under the metatarsal heads.

HEEL WEDGE SHOE

If you have wounds or ulcerations on the heel, this shoe can be the best option for you. The DARCO Heel Wedge Shoe is clinically proven to off-load pressure from theheel by shifting your weight to the mid and forefoot.  

By reducing over 26% of the heel pressure, this shoe helps to promote faster healing when wounds or ulcerations are present on the heel.

ORTHO WEDGE SHOE

This shoe is the best fit when forefoot wounds or ulcerations are present. The DRACO Ortho Wedge Shoe is clinically proven to reduce weight bearing pressure on the forefoot by 57%, which helps to promote faster healing of the wounds.

WHERE TO FIND DIABETIC SHOES?

Finding a good shoe is very important if you have diabetes. At Southern Crescent, we offer a comprehensive range of diabetic foot care and shoes that will suit your needs. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION with the expert today!

Email us at info@shop.southerncrescent.com.my or fill out this form. 

Alternatively, you can also contact us directly at 019-919 9334

REFERENCES:

1. Viswanathan, V., Madhavan, S., Gnanasundaram, S., Gopalakrishna, G., Das, B. N., Rajasekar, S., & Ramachandran, A. (2004). Effectiveness of different types of footwear insoles for the diabetic neuropathic foot: a follow-up study. Diabetes care, 27(2), 474–477. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.27.2.474