Diabetes

The Importance of Diabetic Shoes

It is of the highest importance for people with diabetes to take care of their feet!  In addition to keeping blood sugar at a normal level, daily washing and inspection of the feet, proper shoes and socks should be worn at all times.  Always wearing shoes and socks will prevent accidental and unknown stepping on objects that may cause trauma and breakdown of the skin and bones.  Diabetic shoes are also called extra depth or therapeutic shoes.  These specially designed shoes or inserts are meant to decrease the chance of blisters and skin breakdown at high risk areas of the foot.   Diabetic shoe inserts are also considered part of the diabetic shoe.  These inserts or orthotics are specially designed…

Finding the Right Shoe Insert for Diabetics

For some diabetics, extra thought and care need to be given to protect the foot’s skin.  It can be damaged from pressure and shearing forces while inside a shoe.  With many types of shoe inserts available it is hard to determine which type protects the skin and prevents shearing damage.  Orthotics, store-bought arch supports, diabetic shoe inserts, and gel or foam shoe padding all fit inside shoe and are all designed to help the foot.  But there are big differences in the inserts, not only in design and materials but also in function and purpose.  These differences become very important when supporting a diabetic foot.   Buying an insert does not require a podiatrist, and many different options are available. …

Fast Facts on Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes can damage your nerves over time and lead to their deterioration and eventual death.  Burning and tingling sensations are warning signs that your nerves are having a difficult time carrying messages from your brain to parts of the body.  These sensations will eventually stop, but this occurs once the nerves stop functioning.  The nerve damage is called diabetic neuropathy.  Luckily, this process can be delay or even prevented by taking control of your diabetes.  Here are some important facts.   1. Nerve damage is common among diabetics. About half of the people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.  This is because over time, high blood glucose levels will injure small blood vessels and nerves.  The excess glucose damages…

My Feet Feel Funny! Could I Have Neuropathy?

Nerves allow you to know what is going on in every part of your body. The nerves to your feet are the longest, traveling from your back/spinal cord to the tips of your toes. The longer the nerve, the more likely for it to be damaged along the way. Nerves allow you to feel hot and cold, light touch, pressure and of course, pain. When you step on something, like a Lego, you will feel a combination of pressure and pain. Your brain then send a signal to your leg very quickly to "lift up your foot" for protection of the foot. The same is true if you touch something very cold or hot. When nerves do not work properly, this…

What Your Podiatrist Can Do For You In 2016:

Be there when you need them. Podiatrists treat conditions of both the foot and ankle. If you have pain or questions about your feet, they are well qualified. Each podiatrist goes to a medical school specifically for foot and ankle. Today’s podiatrist also does a three year surgical residency. If you have consistent pain or problems, you don’t have to just live with them. Come see us and we can answer questions and give surgical and non surgical treatment options for anything from discolored or ingrown nails to bunions and fractures. Treat your whole family. Our podiatrists are well qualified to treat feet and ankles from birth. If you have questions about flat feet or otherwise bring your child so…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Diabetes is a disease affecting many parts of the body.  While there is no cure for diabetes, there is hope. With proper diet, exercise, medical care, and careful management at home, a person with diabetes can enjoy a full and active life. Of the more than 28 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. This nerve damage means an open sore or injury on the foot may go unnoticed until it becomes infected, which can eventually lead to the need for partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.  Your Fenton Foot Care podiatrist is…

Diabetic Foot Care

Why is proper diabetic foot care important?

Diabetes is a condition which requires care from a network of specialists in order to be best managed. The role of a podiatrist in the diabetic team is to provide expert diagnosis and treatment for foot and ankle issues. Diabetic foot wounds, amputations, and infections are a growing issue, and proper education and exams can help to catch problems before they become severe.

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