People with diabetes and many other medical conditions really need the exercise of walking. Shoe choice and fit may make the difference in how safely a person moves around and how comfortable they are moving which affects the amount of walking or exercising they choose to do. Jack covered some of the features in the therapeutic shoes he fits that contribute to skin health and balance. He also shared some helpful tips:
Don't assume your size never changes over time and from brand to brand. Shoes should always be measured whenever you go to a shoe store and if all possible, have your fitting done late in the afternoon. This is because, no matter how healthy we are, feet tend to swell as the day goes on.
Shoes do not last forever. Shoes may be aesthetically pleasing, but time brings odor, bacteria and worn out support from the abuse. You may not be able to see how the support is worn, but if you wear your shoes seven days a week, Jack states that they will only last about 18 months.
Avoid premature aging. A great tip that jack offers is to have a at least a second pair of shoes that you can switch out to ensure your other shoe is airing out in order to prevent premature breakdown.
The footwear that Jack handles is classified as therapeutic, however anyone can wear them for support, comfort and to accommodate depth issues. When you make an appointment with Jack, you will complete a 15-30 minute evaluation that will determine your goals, your level of ambulation, the footwear you seek and what you expect out of that footwear. From there, Jack will determine what type shoe fits you best.
Custom fitted shoes sound great, but people often wonder how they price in comparison to normal shoes. I was amazed to find they were less than I thought they'd be. They are certainly worth checking into if a person is walking less because of pain or discomfort. As Jack explains, in some cases, Medicare and Medicaid will cover the costs once a year.
If you have any questions for Jack, his phone number is (402) 477-1110. Jack also offers in-home appointments for patients with mobility and transportation issues!
Would you refer us to your friends? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who would benefit from our home accessibility solutions would you make sure they know about us? We really appreciate your referrals - we'll take excellent care of them!
