Man's toes get amputated after wearing wedding shoes that were 'too small'

Every detail matters on a wedding day, especially the attire, but for one groom, his shoe choice led to a nightmare. His ill-fitting shoes caused the amputation of multiple toes, making him unable to walk independently.

Martin Ralph from Chesham, England, had his measurements taken at a local hospital for his orthotic footwear, intended to replace his usual boots for his wedding.

However, from the very first fitting, Ralph expressed concern, saying that his shoes were too tight.

"I told them at the time of the fitting that they were too small," he recounted, emphasizing that he conveyed his discomfort three times. Despite this, the lady who did the measurements repeatedly assured him that he simply "had to wear them in."

On his wedding day last July 27, 2019, Ralph's pain escalated significantly. "Halfway through the wedding day one foot was getting particularly sore. I had to change into my boots," he shared.

Upon removing his sock, Ralph, who is diagnosed with diabetes, was surprised to discover that his toe was "three times the size it should have been," and a blister had formed.

According to Baylor College of Medicine, "ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of problems for people with diabetes." Reduced blood flow, particularly in the legs and feet, significantly impairs the body's ability to heal sores or fight off infections. This is why it is important for patients to have their feet "measured regularly, as foot size can change over time." 

"Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can progress to severe infections, potentially necessitating amputation," it said.

Ralph's blister became a severe infection that resisted antibiotics. When doctors attempted to clean out the dead tissue, the damage was irreversible. "It was too far gone… you could see the bone," Ralph recalled.

“It was like a butcher had been there, I was in shock,” he said. “Having to undergo amputation of my toe was horrific, but I was hopeful that was the end of it. Sadly not.”

Ralph has since endured more amputations of more toes. He is now unable to walk unaided and, for the first time since he was 17, he is unable to work.

"To see the state of my foot now is terribly upsetting, especially when it could have been prevented so easily," Ralph laments. His daily life has been drastically altered, with simple movements becoming a challenge.

"I struggle to do anything. I know nothing will bring my toes back or fix my foot, but I hope that by speaking out I can help ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else,” he said.