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The most common symptoms
of neuropathy include numbness and loss of feeling,
usually in the feet and hands.
Cause
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, he or she
reduces the risk of developing serious foot conditions.
Treatment and Prevention
The most successful way to prevent diabetic neuropathy
from occurring is to control the diabetes. It is important
to maintain blood sugars at normal levels and maintain
normal blood pressure. In addition to this, it is
important to:
- Stop Smoking
- Limit the amount of
alcohol you drink
- Have regular physical
exams
- Have regular blood and
urine tests
- Exercise regularly,
according to your doctor’s recommendation.
It is important for
diabetics to treat their feet properly to avoid any
future problems. Footwear and foot orthotics play an
important role in diabetic footcare. Footwear that fits
poorly can cause irritation and injury. Orthotics
designed with Plastazote®, the #1 material for
protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are also
frequently 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 often recommended for the diabetic
patient. Diabetic
footwear should also provide the following 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,
designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot
most susceptible to pain, most notably the heel and
the ball-of-the-foot.
- Firm Heel Counters
for extra and support and stability.
It is important for
diabetics with neuropathy to take the 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.
Your podiatric
physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and
extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners
of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the
intricately related systems and structures of the foot and
lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and
the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints,
ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. |
