Many in the O&P industry would probably prefer not to focus on shoes in their practice. However, there are a number of reasons to consider adding this niche to your practice. The majority of practitioners who do provide this valuable service tell me that they do so in order to please all of their important referral sources. Indeed, many clinics and orthopedists will insist that in addition to regular O&P services, orthotists include extra-depth and custom-shoe fitting. This allows a practice to build a larger patient following of targeted consumers. Considering that the numbers of both those diagnosed with diabetes and Medicare recipients are expected to swell in the coming years, this can spell quite a business opportunity.

Adding this service to your practice can also go a long way to enhancing diabetic patient care. People with diabetes are advised to inspect their feet daily to watch for potential problems because it is important that they prevent all foot-related injuries. One of the best ways to do this is to wear proper-fitting and correctly constructed shoes. Wearing tight-fitting or inappropriate shoes greatly increases the chances that a serious foot complication will develop.

The development of any peripheral neuropathy in a patient is a cause for grave concern regarding his/her footwear. Diabetic neuropathy is directly related to the length of time that nerve fibers are exposed to hyperglycemia. Elevated blood glucose levels will, over time, decrease nerve function. Loss of function such as weakness or decreased feeling, and symptoms of prickling, tingling, or pain may occur together. Diminished sensation increases the potential for skin damage. Loss of feeling usually starts at the extremities (distal neuropathy), in the hands and feet, so particular attention needs to be paid to any wounds or lesions that may develop there.