Foot doctors have been advising a major online shoe company about making suitable footwear for people with diabetes who have vulnerable feet.
Experts from the College of Podiatry have been working with Cosyfeet, a firm that makes extra roomy shoes for people with foot problems.
Cosyfeet invited them to its head office in Somerset to understand what needs people with diabetes may have and how they can assist them with their products.
The College’s Clinical Director, Professor Paul Chadwick, attended the meeting along with Advanced Diabetic Podiatrist Krishna Gohil and Advanced Biomechanics Podiatrist Martin Nunn.
Cosyfeet Managing Director Andrew Peirce said: “Many end users of our footwear have vulnerable feet and as shoemakers we have a responsibility to offer optimum footwear for their needs.
“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.”
The college has made a series of recommendations to the company based on published research and clinical guidelines. The panel will also be involved in designing products footwear for people with diabetes who are at risk of developing foot complications.
Mr Peirce added: “The comfort and foot health of our end users is at the forefront of everything we do. We have a duty of care which we take extremely seriously and are deeply grateful to the College for their guidance.”
Cosyfeet’s current advice to its customers who have diabetes or are at risk of developing foot complications is to purchase well-fitting shoes, maintain good control of blood glucose and check their feet regularly for any changes.
Hand mirrors are a good way of checking soles of the feet and people are urged to only wear new footwear for up to an hour before checking the feet for irritation.
