Our podiatry group is proud to be a participant in the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe program.  The program became available in 1998 when the United States Congress passed the Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe Bill.  This made it possible for individuals under Medicare to receive an annual pair of extra depth shoes and full contact protective insoles (3 pair per year). 

In order to understand why Medicare would offer to pay for this benefit you need to understand the potential health risk that affect diabetics feet.

The incidence of diabetes throughout the world continues to escalate as a major health problem.  The medical cost to the Medicare program for diabetes is staggering.  The over all cost to the economy, is well over 1 billion dollars per year in both direct and indirect cost.

Diabetes is one of the most insidious diseases known to mankind. It is a progressive disease that affects almost every part of the human body. From vision to walking it causes degenerate changes that can limit our relationships, quality of life and life span.

In 1995 there were over 135 million diabetics world wide. That estimate is expected to climb to over 300 million by the year 2020.

Diabetes causes multiple complications in the legs and feet. The most destructive changes occur in the circulation and nervous systems.  Reduction of circulation and numbness are frequent problems.  Both can result in increased trauma, decreased ability to heal and infection 

It is a well know fact that most of the amputation of the legs and feet in the United States occur due to complication related to loss of circulation and sensation which occur in diabetes. 

Once the first below the knee amputation has occurred, a second amputation is likely within 5 years.  After the second amputation many diabetics die within five years.

Traditional shoes are made for specialized activities such as walking, running and various sports.  Style, aesthetics and fashion, often play a role in shoe design and function.  Diabetic shoes are specially made to accommodate normal to moderately severe structural differences in individual’s feet.   Ultimately if properly fitted, these shoes can reduce and often eliminate the trauma cause by improper shoes that lead to ulceration and amputation.  Poorly fitting, tight or cramped shoes can cause injury to the skin that can create calluses and blisters that eventually become ulcers.

Medicare approved shoes are made with reduced friction lining, no seems are present inside the shoe, the insole is made to reduce pressure on the sole of the foot, the outer sole of the shoe is made to decrease the chance of puncture into the foot.

Medicare does not cover shoes for all diabetic.  Only patients that are diabetic and have certain risk factors, are covered for shoes and insoles.  Medicare specifically states that those individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes and have one or more of  the following complications: history of amputation, history of ulceration, history of calluses, numbness to the feet, foot deformity (bunion or hammertoes) and or poor circulation are eligible for a pair of  extra depth  shoes and three pairs of full contact insoles per year. A thorough exam by your podiatrist can determine if you meet coverage requirements as established by Medicare.

Although there are many different avenues for obtaining a pair of diabetic shoes your best possible venue with the safest results is through a Podiatrist.  Podiatrists are physicians that are specifically trained in all areas of foot and ankle pathology of the lower extremity. They are more likely to recommend a pair of shoes with the best type and fit for your unique foot type.

While there are many brands and type of shoes that are marketed under the Medicare Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe program we chose to use the Dr Comfort brand.  They are renowned for their material quality and workmanship.  The current line of shoes available is listed on our site courtesy of Dr. Comfort shoe brand.  If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for shoes under the Medicare program you may call or office at 661 832-3600 or request an appointment.