Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for people with foot pain. For those with diabetes, even in the earliest stages of the disease, if there is any evidence of neuropathy, or numbness, wearing the right footwear is crucial. We carry lines of shoes that can help patients make every step more comfortable.

Vionic Formerly known as Orthaheel

Well-being with every step. Biomechanically designed and clinically tested technology helps reduce pronation to relieve associated foot, ankle and knee pain.

We have had rave reviews on our newest line of shoes, Vionic, formerly known as Orthaheel. We carry several styles, all of which are made with built-in orthotic support. We carry fashionable, well-made sandals and shoes, designed by Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli.

“It is my experience as a podiatrist that many common aches and pains occur from poor lower limb alignment. Pain relief can be natural and affordable for everyone.” -Phillip Vasyli, Creator of Orthaheel

Click here for Vionic Foot Health Guide

Diabetic Shoes by Anodyne We are pleased to offer Anodyne Shoes, a Diabetic Shoe.  Dr. Silvester will provide any needed follow-up and can modify insoles to ensure a proper and safe fit.  Click to view the online Anodyne Catalog.

A Word About Medicare Shoe Coverage: Medicare allows one pair of Diabetic shoes per calendar year for patients who are being treated by their Primary Care Physician for diabetes or other qualifying peripheral vascular disease. Medicare requires a few things of their patients who want their diabetic shoes to be covered:

1. Patient must be in a current treatment regimen by their Primary Care Physician for a qualifying condition such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

2. We must submit to Medicare clinical notes from your PCP showing a face to face visit with your MD (not a PA or Nurse) within the previous 6 months. These notes must document treatment of diabetes or the qualifying condition and must be signed and dated by the MD who provided the clinical notes.

3. In addition, your MD must sign and date a Certifying Physician Statement noting the condition that qualifies you for Diabetic Shoes under the Medicare program and at least one other condition, such as a deformity that requires accommodation, peripheral neuropathy with callus formation.

We will give you the forms needed and ask that you get them filled out and signed and dated by your MD, and that you bring us clinical notes before shoes are ordered.

As with all Medicare claims, Medicare pays 80% after the annual deductible is met, and the patient is responsible for their 20%. We will work with you to see if this is a covered benefit for you. We submit claims to Medicare for our patients electronically. Private insurance and cash patients may also obtain shoes from our office. 

Moszkitos

We are proud to carry Moszkitos, flip-flop and slide style sandals with built-in arch supports. Medium and high arch available. Come and check out our selection!

The Bottom Line on Footwear for Diabetics

People with diabetes should choose shoes that accommodate, stabilize and support deformities such as Charcot foot, loss of fatty tissue, hammertoes and amputations. Many deformities need to be stabilized to relieve pain and avoid further destruction. In addition, some deformities may need to be controlled or supported to decrease progression of the deformity. They should also:

Limit motion of joints. Limiting the motion of certain joints in the foot can often decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and result in a more stable and functional foot.Reduce shock and shear. A reduction in the overall amount of vertical pressure, or shock, on the bottom of the foot is desirable, as well as a reduction of horizontal movement of the foot within the shoe, or shear.Relieve areas of excessive pressure. Any area where there is excessive pressure on the foot can lead to skin breakdown or ulcers. Footwear should help to relieve these high pressure areas, and therefore reduce the occurrence of related problems.

Prescription footwear

Many diabetics need special prescription footwear. The various types include:

Custom-made shoes. When extremely severe deformities are present, a custom-made shoe can be constructed from a cast or model of the patient’s foot. These cases are rare. With extensive modifications of in-depth shoes, even the most severe deformities can usually be accommodated.External shoe modifications. This involves modifying the outside of the shoe in some way, such as modifying the shape of the sole or adding shock-absorbing or stabilizing materials.In-depth shoes. The in-depth shoe is the basis for most footwear prescriptions. It is generally an oxford-type or athletic shoe with an additional 1/4- to 1/2-inch of depth throughout the shoe, allowing extra volume to accommodate any needed inserts or orthoses, as well as deformities commonly associated with a diabetic foot. In-depth shoes also tend to be light in weight, have shock-absorbing soles, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to accommodate virtually any foot.Orthoses or inserts. An orthosis is a removable insole which provides pressure relief and shock absorption. Both pre-made and custom-made orthoses or inserts are commonly prescribed for patients with diabetes, including a special “total contact orthosis,” which is made from a model of your foot and offers a high level of comfort and pressure relief.