The College of Podiatry has worked alongside Cosyfeet in advising which of the company’s extra roomy footwear styles are suitable for people with diabetes. Representatives from the College were invited to Cosyfeet Head Office in Somerset to advise on the suitability of each style for people with a diagnosis of diabetes who are vulnerable to foot complications.
The College’s Clinical Director, Professor Paul Chadwick, headed up the eminent visiting panel, accompanied by Advanced Diabetic Podiatrist Krishna Gohil and Advanced Biomechanics Podiatrist Martin Nunn. They were responding to Cosyfeet’s request for advice on giving clear and accurate information for those requiring specialised footwear due to diabetes.
“Many end users of our footwear have vulnerable feet and as shoemakers we have a responsibility to offer optimum footwear for their needs,” says Cosyfeet Managing Director, Andrew Peirce. “Advice from the College has been invaluable in helping us to identify styles suitable for those at risk of foot complications due to diabetes, so we can assist our trade partners in providing authoritative advice to their customers.”
Recommendations from the College are being used by Cosyfeet to identify not only footwear styles but also sock and hosiery products which would be suitable for people with diabetes. They are also being used to assist Cosyfeet’s designers in specifying optimal products for those at risk of foot complications.
The College of Podiatry is the Professional Body and Trade Union for registered podiatrists, representing around 10,000 private practitioners, NHS podiatrists, students and retired members. The visiting panel used published research and guidelines to formulate a standardised approach to assess which Cosyfeet styles could be considered appropriate for people with diabetes.
It is worth noting that about 70% of people with diabetes are considered ‘low risk’ and providing they follow their GP’s advice, can wear most footwear without risk. The panel’s advice was geared towards those at higher risk who need to take greater care over the footwear choices they make.
“The comfort and foot health of our end users is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Andrew Peirce. “We have a duty of care which we take extremely seriously and are deeply grateful to the College for their guidance.”
Cosyfeet’s advice for all those at potential risk of foot complications due to diabetes is to choose well-fitting shoes, maintain good control of blood glucose and check feet regularly. It’s important to seek the advice of a podiatrist or health professional regarding any concerns about footwear suitability. For those with vulnerable feet, Cosyfeet stresses the importance of running fingers inside any item before wearing to check for anything that may harm. New footwear should be worn for 30 minutes to 1 hour and feet then inspected for pressure marks or irritation. A hand mirror can be useful to help with examination of the entire foot. Wear time can then be gradually increased, with feet inspected regularly.
For further information see www.cosyfeet.com/diabeticfriendly or call 01458 449071.
There’s Wide Fitting and then there’s Cosyfeet
Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear on the high street.
A member of the Healthy Footwear Guide, Cosyfeet is a small, caring company with 37 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Over 11,000 healthcare professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients.
