Shin Splints

Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop from a lack of insulin production or from the inability of the body’s insulin to perform its normal functions. Insulin is a substance produced by 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 two different types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is usually associated with juvenile diabetes and is often linked to heredity. Type 2, commonly referred to as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by elevated blood sugars, often in people who are overweight or have not attended to their diet properly.

Many complications can be associated with diabetes. Diabetes disrupts the vascular system, affecting many body areas such as the eyes, kidneys, legs, and feet. People with diabetes should pay special attention to their feet. 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. People with diabetes 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.

People with diabetes must 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 foot care measures, he or she reduces the risks of severe foot conditions. Poor Circulation

Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease that inhibits a person’s blood flow. With this condition, the arteries’ narrowing 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, causing injuries to heal poorly. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot. Preventing foot complications is critical for the diabetic patient because poor circulation impairs healing and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other severe foot conditions.

Treatment and Prevention

Footwear and orthotics play a significant role in diabetic foot care. Orthotics designed with Plastazote foam, the #1 material for protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are usually recommended. Plastazote accommodates hot spots with pressure by conforming to heat and pressure. By customizing to the foot, Plastazote provides the comfort and protection needed for diabetic foot care. Footwear constructed with Plastazote is also recommended frequently for diabetic patients. 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 are designed to reduce pressure in the area of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the ball of the foot.

– Firm Heel Counters for support and stability.

If you have diabetes, you should be particularly alert to any problems with your feet. People with diabetes and neuropathy must take precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot problem, immediately consult your foot doctor. Footcare & Diabetes

Proper foot care is especially critical for people with diabetes 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 foot care can prevent serious problems. According to the National Institute of Health, the following simple everyday steps will help to avoid serious complications from diabetes:

– Take Care of Your Diabetes Make healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood sugar close to normal. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle.

– 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: 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 dry out. 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.

– Maintain the skin with a soft and smooth rub and a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes because this might cause infection.

– Wear Shoes and Socks At All Times Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. It is incredibly 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 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. Ensure the lining is smooth and no foreign objects, such as pebbles, are in the shoe. 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 a hot water bottle or heating pads on your feet. If your feet are cold, wear seamless socks at night. Lined boots are suitable for keeping your feet warm in the winter. Choose socks carefully. DO NOT wear socks with seams or rough areas. Choose padded socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable. Check your feet often in cold weather to keep them warm and avoid frostbite.

-Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet. When you sit, put your feet up. 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 extended periods.

– DO NOT wear tight socks, elastic, 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 people with diabetes.

– DO NOT smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. Work with your health care team to lower your high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

– Be More Active Ask your doctor to plan an exercise program. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are suitable 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 severe foot problems. Ask your doctor for proper foot care tips and the name of your local podiatrist.