Why does medi-care cover shoes for neuropathy and diabetes

Medicare Coverage for Neuropathy and Diabetes Footwear

Medicare covers shoes for neuropathy and diabetes because major complications from diabetes can cause harm to your feet and other parts of your body.

For instance, diabetic neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage, can lead to severe skin deterioration, ulcers and calluses on your feet. However, special shoes and innersoles can help prevent these issues, and Medicare Part B coverage can assist you with the costs.

If you do require diabetic shoes, Medicare can help cover the cost. This article will offer insight on Medicare coverage and shoes that can be worn by diabetic patients.

Why Do I Need Special Shoes and Innersoles as a Diabetic?

Shoes for diabetics are specifically designed to reduce the occurrence of corns, bunions, gangrene and hammertoe that may result from diabetic neuropathy. The shoes are fitted with foam padding across the top of the foot and around the collar to prevent friction and provide deep cushioning for your feet.

The shoes also have a large toe box to allow your foot to move freely within the shoe. This prevents sores and blisters from forming between the toes or around the heel and joints.

Special removable innersoles (orthotics) are also beneficial. These innersoles are made of moldable materials to create inserts that conform to the shape of your foot. They are also made of materials that absorb moisture to prevent bacterial infections to your feet.

Which Shoes Should I Buy?

You might be able to get away with wearing well-fitting and comfortable shoes if your diabetes is under control and you don’t have any serious foot problems.

However, if you do have foot issues, your doctor may recommend one of the following options:

Will Medicare Cover My Shoes for Neuropathy?

If you are a Medicare beneficiary and meet the following criteria, Medicare will cover your shoes as well as inserts and modifications:

1. If you have diabetes as well as one or more of the conditions listed below:

Foot ulcers

Partial or complete foot amputation

Pre-ulcerative calluses

Poor blood circulation

Peripheral neuropathy with calluses

Deformity in any foot

2. If the shoes are prescribed by an orthotist, podiatrist and prosthetist

Can Wearing Ill-Fitting Shoes Cause Problems in Diabetics?

Yes! Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause pain, foot problems and biomechanical imbalance in people with diabetes as well as induce falls.

Improperly fitting shoes are one of the many factors that contribute to the development and worsening of foot discomfort and injury. In diabetics, ill-fitting shoes are another prevalent cause of foot ulcers and pain.

Shoes that are too tiny cause pain by putting constant pressure on the medial and lateral parts of the foot. On the other hand, because the foot moves around inside the shoe, too-large shoes produce friction ulcers behind the heel.

Mismatched shoe and foot sizes can disrupt the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, placing a diabetic at risk of pain and falling.

Can I Still Wear Orthotics With a Sandal?

Yes, you can still wear orthotics with a sandal. As long as your sandals have a deeper detachable footbed, you can use your orthotics in place of the footbed to keep your feet supported. Here are some things to consider:

Final Thoughts

Are you searching for shoes for neuropathy? The Active Foot Store can help.

Our store has a large selection of orthopedic shoes for men, orthopedic shoes for women, diabetic sandals and socks, all designed for comfort of the wearers. Our team is also skilled in collaborating with Medicare and other insurance providers to ensure that you receive the care and coverage you require.

To discover more about diabetic footwear solutions, contact The Active Foot Store today!