Neuropathy of the foot is quite a common problem suffered by many individuals who have some form of Neuropathy or even Diabetes.
In individuals who have Neuropathy affecting their feet, the most important factor for them is that their feet are always protected and that there is minimal pain.
The worst possible thing that can happen to an individual suffering from Neuropathy would be to injure themselves as this may lead to further complications.
Selecting the appropriate footwear when having Neuropathy is therefore extremely important and in this article, we will discuss some of the best sandals for neuropathy.
Understanding Neuropathy
The term neuropathy actually refers to any nerve damage. It’s common in people with diabetes because high blood sugar can injure nerve fibers throughout the body. People with diabetes are more likely to develop neuropathy if they’ve had diabetes for an extended period of time, or if their blood sugar is not well-controlled.
Nerve damage from diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy (new-ROP-uh-thee). About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. It is more common in those who have had the disease for many years, and it can lead to many kinds of problems. For example, it may cause you to lose feeling in your feet, which can lead to serious foot problems such as infections and ulcers. Nerve damage also can affect how you digest food, how you sweat to cool your body, and how your heart and blood vessels work.
Causes of Nueropathy
Doctors and scientists are still trying to determine the exact cause of neuropathy. This is a challenging task since there are over 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms, causes and treatments.
In addition to the many known causes, about 30 percent of all neuropathy cases are idiopathic, meaning that the disease arises spontaneously for no known reason.
Neuropathy can be caused by:
Prescription Drugs – One of the major cuase of Neuropathy is certain presicription drugs, such as blood pressure abd cholesterol medications, along with some brands of antibiotics.
Diabetes – For Diabetics, higher than normal blood sugar levels in the body may result in Diabetic Neuropathy.
Chemotherapy – The radiation treatment and medications used in chemotherapy have also been documented as causes for Neuropathy.
Injuries – Sports injuries, accidents, and surgeries where the nerves are damaged or worked on may lead to Neuropathy, which may also only start showing symptoms a few years later.
Toxins – The build-up of certain toxins in your body due to air and water pollution and preservatives in our food can Diabetic Neuropathy.
Types of Neuropathy
There are various types of neuropathy, the most common type affecting your feet and legs.
Mononeuropathy: People with mononeuropathy have a single-nerve disorder.
Multiple Mononeuropathy: Mononeuropathy affects two or more nerves at the same time.
Polyneuropathy: The most common form of peripheral neuropathy involves the degeneration of many peripheral nerves.
Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by abnormally high blood sugar levels.
Alcoholic Neuropathy: Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition caused by long-term consumption of alcohol in excess amounts. It results in degeneration of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Idiopathic Neuropathy: Idiopathic neuropathy is a type of neuropathy for which the cause is unknown.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Autonomic Neuropathy can cause problems with your stomach and intestines, your bladder, and your genitalia.
Small Fiber Neuropathy: Small-fiber neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves near the surface of the skin that are responsible for sensation are damaged.
Ulnar Neuropathy: An ulnar neuropathy is a type of neuropathy affecting the ulnar nerve in your lower arm.
Features of a Good Sandal for Neuropathy
If you have neuropathy and are looking for a new pair of shoes, there are many things to consider. The first, and most important, is that your shoes must be comfortable and supportive. Some people with neuropathy may find that they cannot walk long distances or handle the strain of working on their feet all day. In these cases, it is essential that you choose a shoe that provides support and comfort, while also protecting the feet from possible injury.
Shoes with a wide toe box can help increase blood flow to the feet and reduce pressure on the foot. Shoes with plenty of cushioning can help absorb shock as you walk. If your feet tend to turn inward or outward as you walk, look for a shoe with a firm heel counter, which will help control motion. Look for shoes that are roomy enough so that your toes don’t rub against the sides or top of the shoes.
Reviews: The Best Sandals for Neuropathy
Arch Support Neuropathy Sandal
Your feet will love these Orthotic sandals from Vionic Shoes. The Farra sandal is a casual and comfortable option that is perfect for everyday wear, while the Stanley slide-on sandal with it’s lug rubber outsole is ideal for active individuals yet still great for everyday use. Both sandals feature a podiatrist-designed Orthotic Arch support footbed, which was designed to help alleviate pain caused by Neuropathy and other foot conditions.
Vionic Women’s Rest Farra Backstrap Sandal – Ladies Adjustable Sandals with Concealed Orthotic Support
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Neuropathy Sandals
Birkenstock sandals are crafted in brown full-grain leather and boast a comfortable cork footbed to render superb underfoot comfort. The EVA midsole is cushioned to offer additional shock absorbency. Features include a contoured EVA outsole that lends exceptional support, a leather-covered EVA midsole that provides lasting shock absorbency, and replaceable genuine cork footbeds that yield superb underfoot comfort.
Fisherman’s Sandal Neuropathy
The Orthofeet® Alpine and Naples extra depth Orthofeet sandals have been designed to offer the maximum level of comfort, shock absorbency, and support. These sandals can be worn by anyone in need of extra depth footwear and have a smooth and seamless interior with an extra depth design for extra toe room. Our patented Ortho-Cushioning System is lightweight with an air-cushioned sole for added comfort and shock absorbency. The durable high traction rubber outsole provides traction for any situation. Available in different widths, the Naples features a wider width for individuals needing less pressure and irritation on the different parts of their feet.
Proven Relief Arch Support Orthotic Sandals for Men – Men’s Orthopedic, Diabetic, Bunions Comfortable Sandals for Flat Feet – Standard & Wide Widths – Clearwater by Orthofeet
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Proven Relief Arch Support Orthotic Sandals for Women – Women’s Orthopedic, Diabetic, Bunions Comfortable Sandals for Flat Feet – Standard & Wide Widths – Alpine by Orthofeet
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Sports Sandal for Neuropathy
The On-The-Go sandal from Skechers is designed for both men and women and has been designed with a shock-absorbing lightweight mid-sole for maximum comfort. The outsole is made of durable rubber for excellent traction and grip whilst the textile upper ensures a soft, flexible, friction-free wear. As this sandal has been created to be lightweight, it is suitable for travel use and would be an excellent choice for those who suffer from neuropathy.
Neuropathy Sandal
If you love the outdoors, getting wet, and adventuring, your feet are in for a treat with these Timberland Pro Fishermen and Adley Shore casual Style sandals. They offer great support and comfort with a durable rubber Multi-density outsole that offers great traction, an anatomic removable footbed that is supportive and comfortable, a climate-controlling lining to keep your feet warm or cool as needed and improve temperature control, a padded collar and tongue to protect from the sun, and a lightweight polyurethane midsole that improves shock dispersion. You will also love how stylish yet causal these shoes are. You will feel confident dressed for any occasion.
