Diabetic footwear helps ease pressure points, reduce damage

If the pain is one knee, we should rule out infections of that knee. However, if it is on both knees, there is the possibility of wear and tear of the cartilage beneath the knee cap that can happen in young women. It is known as Chondromalacia. It is also better to rule out arthritis, which is of two types – degenerative arthritis which occurs  due to age and rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs in young women. The latter has an associated joint involvement of their finger joint and toes as well. If it is only the knees, it is the weakness of the cartilage beneath the knee cap. However, it is always best to start off by ruling out infection.      

How soft should a diabetic’s footwear have to be to avoid injury to the feet and cause further infection as a result? J John, Purasaiwalkam 

A diabetic can use either the Microcellular Polimer (MCP) or Microcellular Rubber (MCR) material. These are prescribed because the pressure distribution becomes unequal and you develop 

pressure points which are areas where we continue to put pressure. In a diabetic, over time, pain sensation becomes diminished and the ability to shift weight and ease the pressure point area is lost. They continue to put pressure on that foot, damaging it. Therefore, patients are advised to use the afore mentioned footwear.