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Neuropathy
25% of
people with diabetes develop foot related problems related to
the disease. This is primarily due to a condition called neuropathy. Diabetic
Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. The most
common type of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy and affects
the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that go out from the
brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands.
Peripheral neuropathy impairs proper functioning of these sensory and motor
nerves. 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, it reduces the risk of developing
serious foot conditions.
TREATMENT & 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:
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Stop
Smoking
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Limit
the amount of alcohol you drink
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Have
regular physical exams
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Have
regular blood and urine tests
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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:
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High,
wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
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Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics
if necessary
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Rocker
soles These soles are designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot
most susceptible to pain, most notably the heel and the ball-of-the-foot.
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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.
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