Dealing With Diabetic Neuropathy

It is estimated that around 15.7 million people in the U.S have diabetes. This is a staggering number making it that much more important to provide the necessary education about staying safe and healthy.

Feet are not usually something most people pay any attention to. That is, unless they are in pain, injured or you have diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a major complication of having diabetes and results in feet needing to be monitored closely.

Why do you need to be so careful with diabetic neuropathy? 

Neuropathy causes a loss of feeling in your feet. Nerves become damaged and impair your ability to feel heat, cold or pain. This means you may not feel the heat of sand or a sidewalk and burn your feet or sustain a blister from your shoes and not even realize it. A small cut from stepping on a rock while barefoot can go completely unnoticed due to neuropathy.

There is a lack of good circulation in your feet when you have diabetes so any of the injuries mentioned above can turn into serious problems. Wounds take longer to heal and even minor injuries can turn into ulcers. A lack of diligent foot care or leaving these types of injuries could ultimately lead to amputation.

It may sound alarming but Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy and Clifton Park, NY treats patients with diabetes on a regular basis dealing with the effects of neuropathy. It is imperative if you have diabetes, to follow good foot care habits and make an appointment as soon as you notice anything on your feet. Contact our podiatric office today if you need help or treatment. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Simple Shoe Tricks for Healthy Feet

Maintaining your health can be a tricky job. Your feet need care and attention just like the rest of your body. Footwear is made specifically to protect the health of your feet, but your shoes can’t do all the work - they need your help!

Follow these simple tips to helping your shoes protect your feet, ankles and all 10 toes:

• Get the right fit. The most important aspect of your shoes is the fit. Shoes need to fit correctly to the length, width and height of your feet. Your footwear should big long enough that your toes have about a thumb’s width before the end of your shoe, but not so big that your heel slides out the back. Shoes should also be wide enough that you have room to wiggle your toes and tall enough that they do not press down on your toes.

• Be specific to your exercise. Your shoes should be specific to your activities. If you are involved in different sports you need different shoes for each exercise. Physical activities put pressure on your feet, and soccer will affect your feet differently than running, yoga or football. Therefore each sport or exercise will require specific protection from your footwear so you will need different shoes for each of your activities.

• Alternate between shoes. While you should alternate different shoes for each of your exercises, you should also alternate your daily walking shoes. Your shoes need their days off just like you. This will not only help your shoes last longer, but also maintains the health of your feet.

• Cushion your feet. While your shoes should provide you an appropriate amount of cushioning, you should always pair your footwear with a comfortable pair of socks. Socks give your feet greater cushioning and reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes. This will help prevent painful ailments like blisters.

• Add an orthotic. Purchasing custom molded orthotics can be one of the best investments you will ever make. An orthotic adds support, comfort and cushioning to your footwear. It can relieve pain and reduce your risk for an injury.

Taking proper care of your feet can be a big job, but making foot care a part of your regular routine can help you prevent foot ailments throughout your lifetime. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or would like to come in for a check-up and proper foot examination contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20120912/LIFESTYLE/309120007/Tips-happy-feet?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1
http://runnersfeed.com/rotate-your-running-shoes/

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