Diabetic FootwearSpecialized Diabetic Foot Care in Bryant, Arkansas

At Orthopedic Appliance Company's Bryant location, we understand that proper footwear is a critical component of diabetes management. Our specialized diabetic footwear services provide essential protection and support for individuals living with diabetes in Bryant and surrounding Saline County communities. Our team of certified pedorthists and footwear specialists is dedicated to helping you maintain foot health and prevent serious complications.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Concerns

Why Specialized Footwear Matters

Diabetes can significantly impact foot health through several mechanisms:

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: Reduced sensation in the feet can prevent you from feeling pressure points, blisters, or injuries
  • Poor Circulation: Diminished blood flow can slow healing and increase infection risk
  • Skin Changes: Dryness and reduced elasticity can lead to cracking and ulceration
  • Structural Changes: Altered foot mechanics due to muscle weakness or joint stiffness

Without proper protection, these conditions can lead to serious complications, including foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Specialized diabetic footwear plays a crucial role in prevention by providing appropriate cushioning, support, and pressure relief.

The Cost of Inadequate Foot Protection

For individuals with diabetes, improper footwear isn't just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Research shows that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by foot ulcers, many of which could be prevented through proper foot care and appropriate footwear. At our Bryant location, we're committed to helping you avoid these serious complications through proactive foot care solutions.

Our Diabetic Footwear Services in Bryant

Comprehensive Foot Assessment

Our diabetic footwear process begins with a thorough evaluation conducted by our Bryant foot care specialists:

  • Detailed medical history review
  • Visual foot examination
  • Circulation and sensation testing
  • Gait analysis and pressure point identification
  • Footwear needs assessment
  • Risk classification determination

This comprehensive approach ensures that we understand your specific foot health challenges and can recommend the most appropriate footwear solutions.

Customized Footwear Solutions

Based on your assessment, our Bryant team will recommend diabetic footwear options that address your unique needs:

Therapeutic Shoes

Our selection of diabetic shoes features:

  • Extra depth to accommodate custom inserts and foot deformities
  • Seamless interiors to reduce friction and pressure points
  • Stretchable uppers to prevent constriction
  • Firm heel counters for stability
  • Wide toe boxes to prevent crowding
  • Cushioned soles for shock absorption
  • Adjustable closures for secure fit

Custom Inserts and Orthotics

To further customize your footwear, we offer:

  • Multi-density inserts for targeted pressure relief
  • Custom-molded orthotics for precise support
  • Accommodative orthotics for structural abnormalities
  • Pressure-reducing inserts for high-risk areas
  • Heat-moldable inserts for personalized fit

Specialty Options

For specific needs, we also provide:

  • Post-surgical footwear
  • Ulcer healing shoes
  • Edema-accommodating footwear
  • Extra-wide and extra-depth options
  • Diabetic socks and hosiery

Expert Fitting and Education

Proper fit is critical for diabetic footwear effectiveness. Our Bryant fitting specialists provide:

  • Precise measurements using advanced technology
  • Comprehensive fitting sessions to ensure comfort
  • Wear-testing to identify potential problem areas
  • Adjustment and modification as needed
  • Follow-up appointments to address any concerns

Beyond fitting, we offer essential education on:

  • Daily foot inspection techniques
  • Proper footwear use and rotation
  • Signs of potential foot problems
  • When to seek medical attention
  • Long-term foot care strategies

The Orthopedic Appliance Advantage

Certified Specialists

Our Bryant diabetic footwear team includes:

  • Certified pedorthists (C.Ped)
  • Trained therapeutic shoe fitters
  • Orthotic specialists
  • Patient care coordinators experienced in diabetic care

This specialized expertise ensures you receive the highest quality care tailored to your diabetic foot health needs.

Collaborative Care Approach

We work closely with your healthcare team, including:

  • Primary care physicians
  • Endocrinologists
  • Podiatrists
  • Wound care specialists
  • Diabetes educators

This collaborative approach ensures consistent care goals and comprehensive support for your diabetes management plan.

Convenient Bryant Location

Our Bryant office provides easy access to specialized diabetic footwear services for residents of Saline County and surrounding areas. No need to travel to Little Rock or other larger cities for expert diabetic foot care.

Serving the Bryant Community

Bryant, Arkansas is a growing community with a population of over 20,000 residents. Located just southwest of Little Rock in Saline County, Bryant offers the charm of small-town living with convenient access to metropolitan amenities.

Our Bryant location was established to meet the increasing need for specialized medical services within this thriving community. As the population ages and diabetes rates continue to rise nationally, access to quality diabetic foot care becomes increasingly important for maintaining quality of life and independence.

By providing these specialized services locally, we help Bryant residents manage their diabetes more effectively while supporting the community's health infrastructure. Our team is proud to be part of Bryant's healthcare network, offering essential services that help residents maintain their mobility and active lifestyles.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage

Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Benefit

Many of our Bryant patients qualify for the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Benefit, which typically covers:

  • One pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts, or
  • One pair of custom-molded shoes and two pairs of inserts

Our insurance specialists can help determine your eligibility and ensure proper documentation for maximum coverage.

Private Insurance Coverage

We work with numerous private insurance providers, including:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Humana
  • Aetna
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • And many others

Our team will verify your benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with your footwear solutions.

Visit Our Bryant Diabetic Footwear Center

Bryant Location:
 611 Office Park Drive, Suite 3
Bryant, AR 72022
Phone: (501) 508-2227

Hours:
 Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Footwear

1. How do I know if I need diabetic shoes?

You may benefit from diabetic footwear if you have diabetes and any of the following: neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation), poor circulation, foot deformities, previous foot ulcers, amputation, or significant calluses. Even without these complications, many people with diabetes choose protective footwear as a preventive measure. Our Bryant specialists can evaluate your specific needs and risk factors to determine if therapeutic shoes would be beneficial for your situation.

2. What makes diabetic shoes different from regular shoes?

Diabetic shoes are specifically designed with features that protect sensitive feet. These include seamless interiors to prevent friction, extra depth to accommodate inserts or deformities, wider toe boxes to prevent crowding, cushioned soles for shock absorption, firm heel counters for stability, and stretchable uppers that reduce pressure. 

Additionally, they're constructed with softer, more protective materials and designed to eliminate pressure points that could lead to ulceration. While some regular shoes may have some of these features, diabetic shoes incorporate all of them in a comprehensive protective design.

3. Will Medicare or insurance cover my diabetic shoes?

Medicare covers one pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year through the Therapeutic Shoe Benefit, provided you meet certain criteria and have proper documentation from your physician. This typically requires that you are under a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan, have diabetes-related foot complications, and have a prescription from your doctor. Many private insurance plans offer similar coverage. Our Bryant office staff specializes in navigating these requirements and will verify your coverage, obtain necessary authorizations, and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.

4. How often should diabetic shoes be replaced?

Most diabetic shoes should be replaced every 9-12 months, or sooner if you notice signs of wear such as compressed insoles, worn treads, stretched uppers, or interior breakdown. Regular use causes the supportive and protective features to deteriorate over time, reducing their effectiveness. Medicare typically covers one pair per calendar year, which aligns with this recommended replacement schedule. Our Bryant team can help you evaluate your current footwear and determine when replacement is necessary to maintain proper protection.

5. Can I wear diabetic shoes for all activities?

While modern diabetic shoes are designed to be versatile, certain specialized activities may require additional considerations. Most daily activities—including work, shopping, and light exercise—can be safely performed in proper diabetic footwear. For more demanding physical activities, we may recommend activity-specific diabetic athletic shoes or customized solutions. Water activities, beach visits, or formal occasions may require specialized protective footwear. Our Bryant specialists can help develop a comprehensive footwear plan that addresses all your lifestyle needs while maintaining proper foot protection.

6. How is the fitting process different for diabetic shoes?

The diabetic shoe fitting process at our Bryant location is much more comprehensive than standard shoe fitting. It begins with a thorough foot assessment, including evaluation of sensation, circulation, and structural concerns. We take detailed measurements of both feet (which often differ in size) and consider factors such as swelling patterns throughout the day. We also assess your gait and weight distribution to identify pressure points. 

Multiple fittings may be necessary, and we often recommend a "break-in" schedule. This careful process ensures your diabetic shoes provide proper protection without creating new pressure points or problems.

7. Do I need a prescription for diabetic shoes?

Yes, to receive therapeutic diabetic footwear covered by Medicare or insurance, you need a prescription from your physician. This prescription must typically be part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan and document your need based on qualifying conditions. 

Your doctor will need to complete a Statement of Certifying Physician form and possibly additional documentation depending on your insurance provider. Our Bryant team works closely with local physicians to ensure all documentation is properly completed, making the process as smooth as possible for you.

8. What should I look for when checking my diabetic shoes for wear?

Regular inspection of your diabetic footwear is essential. Check for exterior signs of wear such as uneven sole wear patterns, cracks in the soles, stretched or torn uppers, and damaged closures. More importantly, inspect the interiors for compressed insoles, thin spots in cushioning, rough areas or seams that have become exposed, and any signs of interior breakdown. Shake out your shoes before wearing them to ensure no foreign objects are inside. If you notice any of these issues, it's time to have your footwear evaluated by our Bryant specialists for possible repair or replacement.

9. Can custom orthotics be added to diabetic shoes?

Absolutely. In fact, the combination of properly fitted diabetic shoes with custom orthotics provides the highest level of protection and support. Diabetic shoes are designed with extra depth specifically to accommodate custom inserts and orthotics. These custom additions allow us to address your unique foot structure, pressure points, and specific needs beyond what the shoe alone can provide. For many of our Bryant patients, we create multiple pairs of custom inserts to allow for rotation and to address different activities or seasonal swelling patterns.

10. How do I care for my diabetic footwear?

Proper care extends the life and effectiveness of your diabetic footwear. 

  • Clean the exteriors with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals or soaking. 
  • Allow shoes to dry naturally away from direct heat sources. 
  • Remove inserts nightly to allow both shoes and inserts to air out, reducing moisture buildup. 
  • Rotate between at least two pairs of shoes to allow complete drying between wearings. Inspect regularly for signs of wear or damage. 
  • Replace laces or closures that show wear before they fail. 

Our Bryant team provides detailed care instructions specific to the materials and construction of your particular diabetic footwear.

Contact Us Today

To schedule a diabetic footwear consultation at our Bryant location, call us at (501) 508-2227. Our experienced team is ready to help you protect your feet with properly fitted therapeutic shoes and comprehensive foot care education.

Orthopedic Appliance Company - Specialized diabetic foot care since our founding in 1960.