Watch Out For Your Little Toe When Getting New Shoes

Here's a little word of advice for diabetics buying new shoes:  keep an eye out for your little toes to ensure the shoe fits right.

This may sound a little weird at first, but the fact of the matter is that a shoe that is too tight and narrow will often irritate the outer top of the little toe first, especially if it is rotated inward.  The irritation will start as a reddish area on the skin that may be slightly swollen, and the skin may then begin to peel or blister.  As the pressure continues, the skin may actually ulcerate, or form a wound, which can easily become infected down to the bone.  Unfortunately, many a little toe has been amputated because of this simple irritation.

By keeping an eye on the little toe and recognizing the early irritation, you can be certain to prevent shoe-related diabetic foot problems and discard or return the shoe promptly.  Of course, the foot can become irritated elsewhere by a poorly fitting shoe, and areas of skin irritation with new or even old, worn shoes should be promptly recognized.  The little toe simply provides a frequent early warning sign that all is not well inside the shoe.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
myachingfoot.blogspot.com -  foot pain explained
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.