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NEWS
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New
Balance, Brooks, Saucony, Finn Comfort Sandals, JUST A FEW
Name brands for comfort fitting.
The
new line of P.W. Minor and Drew shoes for Diabetic and Arthritic clients.
Come
in or call us.
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The
Diabetic Foot
Definition
Diabetes
is a serious disease that can develop from the lack of insulin production
in the body or due to the inability of the body’s insulin to perform
its normal everyday functions. Insulin is a substance produced from
the pancreas gland that helps process the food we eat and turn it into
energy.
Diabetes affects approximately 16 million Americans and is classified
into 2 different types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is usually associated
with juvenile diabetes and is often linked through heredity. Type
2, commonly referred to as adult onset diabetes, is characterized
by elevated blood sugars, often by people who are overweight or have not
attended to their diet properly.
There are
often many complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes disrupts
the vascular system, affecting many areas of the body such as the eyes,
kidneys, legs, and feet. People with diabetes should pay special
attention to their feet.
Cause
Neuropathy
Of the sixteen million Americans with diabetes, 25% will develop foot
problems related to the disease. Diabetic foot conditions develop
from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy.
Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel
pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop
minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be
aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left
untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly
even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions,
Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to
prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy,
daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient
takes the necessary preventative footcare measures, it reduces the risks
of serious foot conditions.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease which inhibits
a person’s blood circulation. With this condition, there is
a narrowing of the arteries that frequently leads to significantly decreased
circulation in the lower part of the legs and the feet. Poor circulation
contributes to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen
and nutrition supplied to the skin and other tissue, therefore causing
injuries to heal poorly. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling
and dryness of the foot. Preventing foot complications is more critical
for the diabetic patient since poor circulation impairs the healing process,
and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions.
Treatment
and Prevention
Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare.
Orthotics designed with "Plastazote" foam, the #1 material for
protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are usually recommended.
Plastazote is a material designed to accommodate pressure "hot spots"
by conforming to heat and pressure. By customizing to the foot,
Plastazote provides the comfort and protection needed in diabetic footcare.
Footwear constructed with Plastazote is also recommended frequently for
the diabetic patient. Diabetic Footwear should also provide the following
protective benefits:
- High,
wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
- Removable
insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if
necessary.
- Rocker
Soles These soles are designed to reduce pressure in the areas
of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the ball-of-the-foot.
- Firm
Heel Counters for support and stability.
If
you are a diabetic, you should be particularly alert to any problems you
may be having with your feet. It is very important for diabetics
with neuropathy to take necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep
their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot problem,
immediately consult with your foot doctor.
Footcare
& Diabetes
Proper footcare is especially critical for diabetics because they
are prone to foot problems such as:
- Loss
of feeling in their feet
- Changes
in the shape of their feet
- Foot
ulcers or sores that do not heal
Simple
daily footcare can prevent serious problems. According to the National
Institute of Health, the following are simple everyday steps that will
help prevent serious complications from diabetes:
- Take
Care of Your Diabetes
Make healthy life style choices to keep your blood sugar close to
normal. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that
fits your life style characteristics.
- Check
Your Feet Every Day
You may have foot problems that you may not be aware of. Check
your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, or infected toenails.
Checking your feet should become part of your daily routine. If you
have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to
help. You can also ask a family member to help you.
Important Reminder Be sure to call your doctor immediately
if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not heal after
one day.
- Wash
Your Feet Every Day
Wash your feet in warm, NOT HOT, water. Do not soak your feet
because your skin will get dry. Before bathing or showering, test the
water to make sure it is not too hot. You should use a thermometer
or your elbow. Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your
toes. Use talcum powder to keep the skin dry between the toes.
- Keep
the Skin Soft and Smooth
Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or crème on the tops and bottoms
of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, because this might
cause infection.
- Trim
your Toenails Each Week or When Needed
Trim your toenails with clippers after you wash and dry your feet.
Trim the toenails straight across and smooth them with an emery board
or nail file. DO NOT cut into the corners of the nail or rip off hangnails.
If you’re nails are thick or yellowed, DO NOT cut your own nails,
have a foot doctor trim them.
- Wear
Shoes and Socks At All Times
Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not
even indoors. It is extremely easy to step on something and hurt your
feet. Always wear seamless socks, stockings, and nylons with your shoes
to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Be sure
to choose seamless socks that are made of materials that wick moisture
away from your feet and absorb shock and shear. Socks made of
these materials help keep your feet dry. Always check the insides of
your shoes before putting them on. Make sure the lining is smooth
and there are no foreign objects in the shoe, such as pebbles. Wear
shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
- Protect
Your Feet From Hot and Cold
Always wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Put sunscreen
on the tops of your feet for protection from the sun. Keep your feet
away from radiators or open fires. DO NOT use hot water bottle or heating
pads on your feet. If your feet are cold, wear seamless socks at night.
Lined boots are good to keep your feet warm in the winter. Choose
socks carefully. DO NOT wear socks with seams or bumpy areas.
Choose padded socks to protect your feet and make walking more
comfortable. In cold weather, check your feet often to keep your feet
warm avoid frostbite.
- Keep
the Blood Flowing to Your Feet
Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes,
2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out
to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.
- DO
NOT cross your legs for long periods of time.
- DO
NOT wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands, or garters
around your legs.
- DO
NOT wear restrictive footwear or foot products. Foot
products that can cut off circulation to the feet, such as
products with elastic, should not be worn by diabetics.
- DO
NOT smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet.
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If
you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your health
care team to lower it.
- Be
More Active
Ask your doctor to plan an exercise program that is right for you.
Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercise
that are easy on the feet. Avoid all activities that are hard on the
feet, such as running and jumping.
Always include a short warm-up or cool-down period. Wear protective
walking or athletic shoes that fit well and offer good support.
- Communicate
With Your Doctor
Ask your doctor to check the sense of feeling and pulses in your
feet at least once a year. Ask your doctor to tell you immediately if
you have serious foot problems.
Ask your doctor for proper footcare tips. Ask your doctor for the name
of your local podiatrist.
Back
to List of Foot Conditions
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