When Shoes Become A Health Necessity

CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic volunteer podiatrist Dr. David Wolf partners with athletic shoe stores to receive donations of returned athletic shoes. In turn, these shoes become life-changing for his diabetic patients who cannot afford to get prescription shoe wear.

A 62 year-old man was referred from another clinic because he was a new diabetic with a “sore on his foot.” A day laborer with few resources, he lived with friends who gave him food and shelter, but that was all.

The staff performed their usual initial visit functions, including health history and diet, and then Dr. Wolf checked his feet. He was wearing a pair of old dress shoes with no socks, and upon removing them, Dr. Wolf observed a large diabetic foot ulcer. He began debriding and cleaning the wound and prescribed healing medications. Dr. Wolf supplied him with enough dressing and bandages to do dressing changes at home. In addition, he provided him with several pairs of white cotton socks and gently used athletic shoes.

Unable to work while his wound healed, the patient met with the clinic’s patient navigator to identify ways to receive vital resources like food while he recovered, as a lack of resources would be another barrier to address his health needs. In partnership with St. Mary’s Clinic providers, his foot has healed, and he is controlling his diabetes as best he can.