How to Determine My Size for Diabetic Boots

Diabetics who suffer from neuropathy and poor foot circulation must take care not only to avoid wounds and fractures, but also to avoid further aggravating any ailments already present. Due to unstable blood glucose, a patient may suffer nerve damage in the feet that may leave these limbs more vulnerable to injury and disease. Moreover, the skin of the diabetic foot is less able to hold moisture, inhibiting the healing of calluses and ulcers. Fortunately sufferers can use diabetic boots, also known as ankle foot orthotics. This footwear is designed to both brace and insulate the affected appendage. To perform effectively, however, the boot must be fitted properly and the foot measured accordingly.

Things You'll Need

• Foot measuring device

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate a standard foot measuring instrument, often called the Brannock device after the dominant manufacturer, universally found in shoe stores. Your podiatrist may also have this tool or a variation of it. Measure the length from a standing position as though you are being fitted for a normal pair of shoes.

• 2

  Move the smaller length pointer to the base of the big toe, i.e. the end of the 1st metatarsal bone. The number to the left of the pointer will serve as the functional length, though it will differ from the heel-to-toe measurement. Measure the width, placing the moving bar against the outside of the foot.

• 3

  Compare these shoe measurements to the ratio scale provided by the boot manufacturer or by your pedorthist, who specializes in such fittings. From this comparison you derive the correct orthotic dimensions.

• 4

  Have your doctor or pedorthist observe your walking gait in order to discern where the pressure is centered. The sole of the boot may require molding or inserts based on this evaluation.