Diabetes and Your Feet

With the passing of the Therapeutic Shoe Bill, Medicare (Part B) extended coverage to patients with diabetes for footwear and inserts.
Protective footwear can help in the fight to prevent the thousands of diabetic ulcerations and amputations that occur each year.

YOUR DAILY CARE

It is very important for those with diabetes to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries.
Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical. By taking the necessary preventative footcare measures, you can help reduce the risks of serious foot conditions.

FOOT HEALTH DO'S

Inspect you feet daily for blisters, cuts, and scratches.

Always check between your toes.

Wear shoes that are designed to protect your feet from injury.

Wash your feet daily. Dry carefully.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Test water with your hands or elbows before bathing.

If your feet feel cold at might, wear socks.

Inspect the insides of your shoes daily for foreign objects and rough areas.

Shoes should be fitted by a footcare specialist and be comfortable at the time of purchase.

See your physician regularly and be sure to have your feet examined at each visit.

FOOT HEALTH DONT'S

Don't smoke.

Don't soak your feet in hot water.

Don't walk on hot surfaces such as sandy beaches or on the cement around swimming pools.

Don't walk barefooted.

Don't use chemical agents for the removal of corns and calluses.

Don't wear mended stockings and avoid stockings or socks with exposed seams.

Don't use oil or cream between your toes.

Don't wear sandals with thongs between the toes.

Don't cut corns or calluses; see your physician.

Don't wear shoes with pointed toe areas.

Source: Aetrex Worldwide, Inc.

Medicare has an annual deductible that has to be met every year. Medicare usually pays 80% the remaining 20% Medicare DOES NOT pay, it is usually covered by the customers secondary insurance or will be out of pocket expense to the customer.