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Is it really that dangerous?

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K

kentish maid

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Walking barefoot in the garden or on the beach?
Today has been glorious, except for the fact that I have had to do the gardening wearing shoes :(
The DN was adamant that I should stop walking around barefoot but it is one thing I feel like ignoring
 
Well if you have neuropathy in you feet you might not feel it if you cut them and the infection could go gangrene if you don't spot it.

It's one of those things that DNs often repeat rote without totally understanding why.
 
I have heard this from many foot specialists, nurses and podiatrists partly through DUK stuff for my area which has a below average reputation for feet.

The thing is that foot infections and injuries can quickly escalate - so even if you have good sensation if you get a nick in your foot and it goes a bit manky, then you go to the Dr and get it looked at... then try antibiotics... which don’t work... then get a referral to the MDT... potentially enough time can pass for things to get really grim.

I know it is difficult when your feet, sensation and pulses are good, but those are the risks the HCPs are warning about.
 
I must admit that I used to take chances with going outside with bare feet but as I've got older (and wiser??) I've realised that it's just not worth the risk with diabetic feet.
 
Similar to AJ I never used to give it much consideration. I know the warnings and wasn't stupid but I mean you're hardly going to walk down the beach into the sea for a swim wearing shoes are you?
 
Before i was diabetic , i used to make orthopedic footwear and most of it was for diabetics.
One of the fitters once told us he saw a man in Norwich and his feet were 😱😱 he had lost his keys but because his feet were numb couldn't feel they were in his boot😳
Hence a real mess:(
I now try and wear shoes all the time outside and my feet are ok
 
Take it from one who knows only too well about foot problems. Please don’t put your tootsie at unnecessary risk.
I was never one for wearing anything on my feet unless I was going out. When on a shingle beach I could walk barefoot with no problems, now indoors my feet are seldom out of slippers and I now have to wear nhs shoes at other times ,so I understand how you feel.
It is a shame I know but .....
 
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kentish maid said:
Off out shopping then to find something comfortable that I can potter about in.
Click to expand...

Before my foot troubles started unless I was going out somewhere special I used to wear Crocs outside .
 
goosey said:
Before i was diabetic , i used to make orthopedic footwear and most of it was for diabetics.
One of the fitters once told us he saw a man in Norwich and his feet were 😱😱 he had lost his keys but because his feet were numb couldn't feel they were in his boot😳
Hence a real mess:(
I now try and wear shoes all the time outside and my feet are ok
Click to expand...
Not pleasant. My worst experience at work was when a guy came up to reception, popped out his artificial eye, and asked if one of the Opticians could give him some advice 😱
 
kentish maid said:
Not pleasant. My worst experience at work was when a guy came up to reception, popped out his artificial eye, and asked if one of the Opticians could give him some advice 😱
Click to expand...
😱😱😱
 
In the summer I normally wear flip-flops or other open sandal... In the house I wear slippers as you never know what the dogs ill bring in....
 
I'm very fortunate in having no problems with my feet. I wear sandals indoors and also outside when the weather is dry. I reckon they are healthier for my feet than shoes, they don't squeeze my feet or toes and they prevent my feet becoming hot and damp and less prone to fungal infection. I don't wear socks with them.
 
They don't make proper Crocs the right size or length to fit my feet sadly. I need a 5.5. don't do half sizes, 5 too short (can't have shoes your toes hit the end of D or not) and I walk straight out of even a 5 as they are too wide but might stay on with the heel strap if they were a fit). I did get a cheapo pair that are a better fit (from Aldi) but I have two massive things against them - they are pink (YUK) and after a couple of years not very hard wear I can feel every crack in the pavement or wherever I walk so they need binning.

Hate flip flops anyway they hurt between my toesies so even the newer design ones with the lovely thick cushioned sole are useless, so I have to keep an eye out for comfy flattish properly strapped sandals with an ankle strap. Have one pair of geranium red suedette, but try and keep them for best cos they're my faves.

I've always loved shoes and have spent shedloads of money on really expensive ones in the past, cos you gotta have happy feet, they must look attractive, suit you and complement the outfit - so they're never going to be cheap.

And sorry all - while I can feel yes I certainly will go barefoot when and where I want to - which doesn't include pebbly beaches and never has! LOL I thought I'd be OK on sand last year - but it was so ruddy hard it was like concrete with ruts in it - awful! so no I couldn't walk the 100+ yards down to edge of the sea barefoot Mark!
 
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