Ensuring optimal foot health is essential for individuals with diabetes. Through a daily foot care routine, a diabetic individual can significantly reduce the effect of complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and artery disease. Maintaining stable glucose levels helps to preserve nerve and blood vessel health in the feet. Suggestions for diabetic foot care include undergoing an annual review of your feet with a podiatrist who is trained to recognize foot problems related to diabetes. It is also helpful to regularly inspect your feet for signs of redness, pain, swelling, or skin damage, and be vigilant for any changes in sensation. Conduct the touch-the-toes test to assess feeling in your toes, and take notice of sores or cuts in the feet or ankles that do not heal promptly. Prioritize proper toenail care to prevent ingrown nails that can lead to infections. Avoid using corn removing plasters or blades to prevent skin damage, and opt for wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and protection. By adhering to these measures and seeking help from a podiatrist as needed, diabetic patients can more effectively manage their foot health. If you have diabetes, It is suggested that you include a podiatrist as an active member of your health care team.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
Proper shoe fitting is important for both comfort and performance, with different needs for walking and running shoes. Walking shoes prioritize support and cushioning to handle the consistent, moderate impact of walking while running shoes are designed to absorb the higher impact and repetitive strain of running. Understanding your foot type is essential in selecting the right shoe. Neutral feet maintain a balanced stride, rigid feet need more cushioning to absorb shock, and flexible feet benefit from stability features to control excessive movement. To determine your foot type, observe your arches. Low arches indicate flexible feet, high arches suggest rigid feet and neutral arches are balanced. Additionally, examining your shoe wear pattern can reveal your tread type. In the store, ensure shoes fit well without rubbing or pinching, as these issues can lead to discomfort or injury. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized advice.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
Blood clots in the feet, also known as venous blood clots, pose significant health risks and require immediate medical attention. These clots can be caused by several factors, including poor blood circulation due to prolonged sitting or lying down, diabetes, and dehydration. Damaged veins from injury, infection, or surgery are other contributing factors. In addition, blood clots in the feet can result from taking certain medications like birth control pills, hormone therapy drugs, glucocorticoids, and antidepressants. Symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, varicose veins, and intense pain or numbness in the foot are indicators of potential blood clots. If left untreated, blood clots can travel to vital organs, potentially causing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. A podiatrist can play a critical role in managing blood clots in the feet by diagnosing the condition, providing appropriate treatments like blood thinners or thrombolytic therapy, and offering preventive measures. If you have developed blood clots in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Numbness
Tingling
Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
Pain
Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Proper shoe fitting is important for both comfort and performance, with different needs for walking and running shoes. Walking shoes prioritize support and cushioning to handle the consistent, moderate impact of walking while running shoes are designed to absorb the higher impact and repetitive strain of running. Understanding your foot type is essential in selecting the right shoe. Neutral feet maintain a balanced stride, rigid feet need more cushioning to absorb shock, and flexible feet benefit from stability features to control excessive movement. To determine your foot type, observe your arches. Low arches indicate flexible feet, high arches suggest rigid feet and neutral arches are balanced. Additionally, examining your shoe wear pattern can reveal your tread type. In the store, ensure shoes fit well without rubbing or pinching, as these issues can lead to discomfort or injury. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized advice.
