Diabetic offloading boots are designed for people with diabetes who struggle with ulcers from peripheral neuropathy. Foot ulcers are a common problem among diabetics, especially those who aren't as active and struggle with weight. Also, diabetics who don't maintain more even blood sugar levels are more at risk of neuropathy and ulcers. When foot ulcers develop, walking, standing and even sitting can become extremely painful -- in addition, these ulcers are prone to infection if not properly cared for. Diabetic offloading boots help to relieve pressure from these open wounds to make everyday living less painful while also promoting healing. Has your doctor recommended a diabetic offloading boot? If so, read on to learn more about choosing the best boot for your needs.
There are numerous brands and styles of diabetic offloading boots to choose from, and your doctor might recommend certain models based on your specific condition. We've evaluated many of the most popular models to bring you our top three -- they are the Orthofeet diabetic shoes, the Posey Deluxe Podus Boot and the Ossur Active Offloading Diabetic Walking Boot.
Some diabetic offloading boots are quite large. However, some are not. The Orthofeet Diabetic Shoes are about the size of regular shoes but with all the benefits of larger boots. These are great alternatives for diabetics with mild and moderate foot ulcers.
Larger diabetic offloading boots do a better job at removing pressure from specific parts of the foot, which can be helpful for people who suffer from severe diabetic foot ulcers. Your doctor can help you determine whether a larger boot is best for your needs.
In some cases, your insurance or Medicare will pay for footware deemed medically necessary for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Check with your provider or Medicare advocate if you have questions about coverage.
Offloading boots do not actually heal the damage which has been done, but they make it possible for feet to heal. It is extremely important once someone has taken this incredibly important step that he or she continue to be vigilant about both overall health and foot health.
Good offloading footwear stabilize feet and balance, and provide a way for the person to walk and get around without pressure on the damaged areas. While some more extreme methods, like total casting, might be more effective overall, offloading boots work because they allow patients to continue living a normal life.
Some important features to look for in offloading footwear include removable insoles, which can be adjusted as needed. A good amount of padding is important in order to take the person's weight. Adjustable straps and other flexible materials can accommodate dressings, and liners can absorb moisture and keep skin dry. A removable toe piece makes it easy to check the feet without taking off the entire footwear.
It is important when choosing a diabetic offloading boot to find one which is approved by medical experts. A good product will have many helpful features, and other kinds of footwear that promise relief from pressure will not have the extra advantages of real diabetic offloading boots. Although the treatment cannot be guaranteed to help, a warranty on the product is a good sign.