Have You Been Diagnosed As Having Diabetes?

Did you know that with a prescription from your doctor, that most insurances will pay for one pair of shoes and up to three pair of inserts and/or modifications each year for those who qualify?

Here at Crary Shoes we know how important it is to take excellent care of the diabetic foot.  People with diabetes who experience any level of neuropathy are vulnerable to calluses, blisters, ulceration and possible amputation.  It is our goal to improve the level of protection and comfort of your feet.  We are trained, certified and experienced in handling foot problems as they relate to diabetes, arthritis, trauma, congenital foot deformities and other chronic foot problems.  Diabetic foot management is a team effort and we want to be an active, participating member of that team.

The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill was enacted by Congress in order to provide proper footwear and inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. The program was designed to prevent lower limb ulcers, amputations, and other complications in people who suffer from the disease. This protective footwear can help in the fight to prevent the 54,000 diabetic amputations that occur each year.  Eligible patients qualify for one pair of shoes, plus extra pairs of inserts and/or shoe modifications each calendar year.

Extra Depth Diabetic Shoes

Crary Shoes carries a variety of extra depth diabetic shoes that are approved by Medicare.   We know that style is a concern for most people, so we carry walking shoes from New Balance and Brooks, as well as casual shoes from PW Minor, Dunham and Propet and even Mary Jane styles from Drew. 

What is so special about extra-depth shoes?

They fill the large gap that lies between shoes from a regular shoe store and custom orthopedic shoes.  Extra-depth shoes can be modified to give your feet maximum fit, support, relief and comfort.  You do not have to be diabetic to purchase extra-depth shoes.

The extra-depth is important because it allows plenty of room for a foot orthosis.  Foot orthotics can relieve excessive pressure on your foot, reduce shear or the movement of your foot within the shoe, accommodate foot deformities, limit the motion of painful joints, and much more.

Extra-depth shoe standards:

• Shoes must come in at least 3 widths
• Shoes must have at least 3/16” of extra-depth
• Shoes must have limited seams at the toe
• Open-toe shoes are NOT approved diabetic shoes

What if my feet don't fit into extra depth shoes?  

Deformity, Edema, Amputation... not to worry!  Crary Shoes is on the only company in town that manufactures custom molded shoes on site.  Our factory is located in Portland, OR.

Custom-Molded Diabetic Footwear

Crary Shoes has designed specific shoes to meet Medicares requirements, which ensure that the patient receives excellent shoes and maximum foot protection without much out of pocket cost.  Medicare will reimburse for 80 percent of the amount allowed, and the patient is responsible for the other 20 percent.  However, many supplemental insurance companies will cover this 20 percent, leaving the patient to pay nothing!!

Special Features:

- Soft-accommodative inserts for added comfort and protection

- Wide opening for easy entry

- Padded collars and tongues

- Deep throat collars for adjustment in case of swelling

- Soft, durable tumbled leather for additional comfort and flexibility

- Shoes can be made lightweight or heavy duty depending upon each individual's activity level

In order to qualify for the program, certain criteria must be met. First, the doctor, an MD or DO, treating the diabetes must fill out the Statement of Certifying Physician. Second, you need a prescription for the necessary footwear from the doctor who is treating the foot condition.  This is generally a Podiatrist, but can also be your primary care physician or endocrinologist.
Once you have both of these documents and your foot condition is noted in your physician's chart notes, you will want to contact your insurance to make sure you are eligible for these benefits.  As a courtesy to you, Crary Shoes will bill your insurance as long as we are contracted with them. 

Whether you have arrived here because of a traumatic injury, diabetes, a congenital foot deformity, or solely for our quality, you have come to the right place.

If you have any trouble finding what you are looking for please feel free to contact us with any questions.  Tel: 503.253.8984 or info@craryshoes.com

Stop Foot Problems Before They Start!

Most foot problems are preventable through proper care and regular visits to your podiatric surgeon. This physician can provide information on foot inspection and care, proper footwear, and early recognition and treatment of foot conditions.
With a certified doctor's prescription, Crary Shoes will provide you with the best quality protective footwear on the market. All of our footwear is custom hand-crafted to fit your feet and inevitably preventing you from blisters, ulcers and possible amputation.
Foot problems in persons with diabetes are usually the result of three primary factors: neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation and decreased resistance to infection.
Due to poor circulation, when blisters are formed from improper fitting shoes, a diabetic takes much longer to heal than the average person, causing ulcers and infection. An ulcer is usually a painless sore at the bottom of the foot or top of the toes, resulting from excessive pressure at that site. Trauma from heat, cold, shoe pressure, or penetration by a sharp object are also potential causes of ulcers. Neuropathy allows the lesions to develop because the normal warning sense of pain has been lost and it goes unrecognized. Continued pressure or walking on the injured skin creates even further damage and the ulcer will worsen.

Treatment with Proper Footwear

Shoes must always fit comfortable and have adequate width and depth for the toes, but have a sturdy structure. Quality leather shoes easily adapt for the shape of your feet and allow them to breathe. Many times orthotics are necessary to protect bony protrusions and to provide ample cushioning and support. NEVER WALK AROUND WITH BARE FEET!

Crary Shoes uses soft, yet durable leathers in all of our diabetic footwear to provide the wearer with adequate support, that is flexible and breathable. We know that an extremely stiff structure can cause rubbing, and yet a marshmallow shoe will break down too quickly. Don't go a moment longer without giving your feet the proper care they deserve. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will reimburse 80% of the amount it designates as allowable.

Take the first step to a better, more active lifestyle. Come visit Crary Shoes

**Information was obtained from The Pedorthic Footwear Association