Diabetic Medicare: Do I need a prescription for Diabetic Shoes?

Diabetic footwear is a critical part of diabetic foot care and you do not need a prescription to purchase diabetic shoes. If you are covered by Medicare, however, and your doctor has mandated a rigorous foot-care regimen because you are at risk of complications, you may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement of one pair of diabetic shoes and up to 3 insoles each year. If you would like to have qualified professional evaluate your feet, and provide diabetic shoes and inserts under Medicare Part B, please call MMAR Medical at 800-622-7633 and they will be able to locate a certified provider in your area. If you are not on Medicaid, it is important to know that diabetic shoes are, in fact, a medical necessity for many, and most insurance companies follow similar reimbursement protocols. Be sure to ask your insurer how your specific coverage works.

Reimbursement requires that your doctor, typically a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist must complete a certificate of medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes. They must also verify that you suffer from one of the following:

• History of foot ulcers or severe calluses that could lead to ulcers


• Foot nerve damage


• Poor foot circulation


• Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes


• Partial or complete foot amputation

The diabetic shoe provider must receive your order prior to billing Medicaid and keep that order on file for verification. Once these terms are met, you should receive appropriate compensation.

It is important to realize that diabetic shoes are part of a larger comprehensive plan for diabetic foot care. It is recommended that patients at risk for diabetic foot complications work with a foot-care specialist for routine nail and callus care. Always speak with your physician about the best solution for your specific needs.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About the Author:MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of diabetic shoes, custom made orthotics, as well as support braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Noninvasive Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

For many back pain sufferers, surgery is not an attractive or realistic option. Thankfully, there are a number of effective, noninvasive treatments that can reduce or eliminate pain, allowing individuals with back pain to resume their daily activities. The following list is a summary of the most popular, noninvasive treatments. Be sure to speak with a medical physician prior to incorporating any of these treatments. In many cases, your doctor will recommend a multidisciplinary approach including several of these methods.

• Pain Medication. Certain over-the-counter pain medications can be used to alleviate moderate pain. Over-the-counter analgesics can reduce pain and decrease inflammation which may be a contributing factor to the pain. Counterirritant skin rubs stimulate your nerve receptors with cold or hot sensations which can counter or mask back pain. For more extreme pain, your doctor may choose to prescribe certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or opiates. Though considered less invasive than surgery, these are serious medications with potentially dangerous side effects, so always speak to your physician concerning prescription medication.


• Back braces and Support Braces. Back supports and braces are available from reputable medical supply vendors and many do not require a prescription. In some instances, these supports can help remove strain from the lower back and spine. Your physician can help you determine which, if any, type of brace is right for you. Generally, these braces should only be worn for a few hours of the day as over-dependence could have a negative effect on muscle strength.


• Heat & Cold Therapy. Studies have shown that heat and cold compression are effective methods for relieving acute nonspecific back pain, such as a moderate sports injury. These therapies may also alleviate chronic back pain, though there are currently no reports to definitely demonstrate this. Heat and cold therapies will certainly not hurt a chronic back pain sufferer, and it is safe to say cold therapy will constrict blood vessels, slow nerve receptors, and reduce swelling, all of which can reduce pain.


• Exercise / Physical Therapy. As with many injuries, strategic exercises and muscle development may help to reduce or prevent pain. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist to determine which types of exercise will most benefit your specific situation. In many cases, a supervised regimen of flexing, stretching, endurance training, strength building and/or aerobic exercise can be beneficial.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of support braces and diabetic shoes at wholesale prices. To find quality orthopedic products at great prices, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Are You at Risk for Back Injury or Pain?

Back pain is a common ailment that can impede daily activities and in extreme cases, be debilitating. Back pain can be triggered by a number of diverse factors, from muscle strain and overuse, to simple alignment issues and even genetics. The following list is a summary of the most frequent back pain risks and the some recommended methods for mitigating those risks.

• Are you middle-aged? You are more likely to strain yourself when you are middle-aged. This may be because middle-aged individuals are still active but perhaps experiencing declining fitness/health. The likelihood of back injury goes down significantly after age 65, likely due to decreased activity and a better understanding of one’s limitations. The best advice is to be realistic and don’t push yourself too far. "Weekend warriors" are especially at risk and there is a lot to be said for the cliché, "Lift with your knees, not your back."


• Are you male? Both women and men experience back pain, but approximately 61.1% of back pain sufferers are male. Men tend to carry weight on their abdomen which increases back strain. Men are also more likely to take on challenging physical activity involving heavy weight. Keeping your weight in check, and keeping weight lifting activity consistent, rather than sporadic and excessive, will help to prevent back pain in the long term.


• Are you pregnant or have you gained significant weight around your mid-section? As mentioned earlier, carrying weight around the mid section increases back strain. Again, weight control and taking extra care when pregnant will help to reduce this risk.


• Do you have a family history of back pain? Muscle, ligament, and body proportion abnormalities are genetic in nature and can be passed down in the family. If a family member has back pain, chances are higher that you will too.


• Have you hurt your back before? People with previous back injury are significantly more likely to injure their backs again. Once injury has occurred it is important to address the underlying issue. You may need to keep a structured weight lifting program to stabilize weak muscles, or perhaps purchase custom orthotic insoles to align the joints better. It is important to speak with your doctor so that you can identify the issue and create a customized plan for addresses the root cause(s) of the pain. In some instances, you may need to speak with you doctor about specific support braces.


• Do you smoke? Though the reason is unclear, smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to suffer lower back pain. As always, the best health advice is to refrain from smoking.


• Do you have a job that involves excessive sitting or repetitive movement? You are at greater risk for back pain if your job requires that you to sit for long periods, bend or twist, lift heavy objects, conduct repetitive motions or experience constant vibration (for example, jack hammering.) If you have a job that requires these sorts of activities, practice recommended safety precautions.


• Do you have poor posture? Slumping and slouching can increase the likelihood of back pain. Maintaining good posture helps to support the spine and back muscles. If you have a particularly weak back, you may want to speak with your doctor about support braces.


• Are you stressed out or depressed? Stress, depression, and other intense emotions can result in excess strain on muscles and ligaments resulting in back pain.


• Are you using medications that weaken bones over a long period of time? Some medication such as corticosteroids can weaken bones and eventually lead to back pain. It is best to address medication side effects with your doctor.

Back pain is a common and annoying physical ailment that, in some instances, can be debilitating. If you feel you are at risk of back pain, the best strategy for mitigating that risk is regular exercise (as recommend by your physician), weight control, correct posture and attention to your emotional health. If you have hurt yourself in the past, create a custom regimen with your physician to strengthen the affected area. Good back health starts with these fundamentals.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premiere supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. To find a quality support braces or diabetic shoes please visit MMAR Medical.

Diabetic Foot Pain

Diabetic foot pain is frequently the result of circulatory issues and peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve condition that affects how the nerves carry information to and from the brain. It can manifest in several different ways including sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy can result in anything from subtle tingling to full-force stabbing pain. In some instances, a gentle touch can result in a surprisingly disproportionate pain. Motor peripheral neuropathy affects muscle nerves, leading to soreness, immobility and imbalance. Likewise, autonomic neuropathy affects functions that are controlled by the subconscious, such as sweating and reflexes. Diabetics suffering autonomic neuropathy will often suffer cracked skin and thickened calluses which can lead to bacterial infection and, in extreme cases, amputation. Circulatory issues can compound these problems and further contribute to diabetic foot pain.

If you are suffering from diabetic foot pain, it is important consult your physician so that you can create a custom treatment plan. The following is a list of commonly recommended steps for managing diabetic foot pain.

• Diabetic shoes. Selecting a proper fitting diabetic shoe, complete with custom insoles, will provide the foot with proper support and prevent further irritation.


• Exercise. Once you have the proper diabetic footwear, make sure you engage the muscles and joints in order to minimize stiffness. In some instances, your doctor may recommend physical therapy with a professional.


• Massage and moisturize. Rubbing your feet with a foot roller and diabetic foot cream containing Vitamin B can help to alleviate pain over time. Use toe nail oil to prevent cracking and ask your doctor about prescription creams that may enhance massaging.


• Compression therapy. The use of compression socks and support hose can improve circulation issues.


• Check your blood sugar regularly. Persistent high blood sugar levels will contribute to the factors which cause foot pain. Make sure you regularly check your blood sugar and monitor any unusual swings or persistent dips/elevations.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic shoes and braces and supports. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for the best selection in diabetic footwear and all your brace/support needs.

Getting Feminine Feet Ready for Spring

With spring around the corner, it’s natural to start thinking about bare skin, sun dresses, and painted toes in sandals. It’s also normal to feel a little anxiety after a long winter of dry skin and pedicure-free feet. Now is the time to start preparing to look your best during the warmer months. There is something that is easy to fix now, even if you are still wearing moonboots and shoveling the snow off your car. It’s a small change, but it can have a significant impact on your health, preventing painful and unattractive foot conditions today and for years to come, including unsightly bunions, calluses and hammer toes.

The female foot, like so many other things, is fundamentally different in structure and biomechanics from the male foot. It’s not only smaller than a man’s foot, but also different in shape. It is much narrower, especially in the heel, distributing the weight differently and creating different biomechanical forces. Likewise the female gait is different than that of a male. Women walk a bit more loosely than men because of less muscle mass, looser joints (especially after childbirth), and a different waist to hip ratio. For these reasons, hammertoes, bunions, callus formation, interdigital neuromas, and metatarsalgia are all more common in women than in men. Since foot imbalances and subsequent problems depend on gender and genetics, it is important that women seek out custom orthotic solutions specific to their needs.

Many foot specialists recommend that women seek out flexible yet supportive custom orthotics. A properly fitted orthotic will help prevent or reduce foot problems. It may also provide back or joint pain relief and the reduction of joint friction and long-term damage. Ideally, the orthotics should support the longitudinal and anterior transverse arches of the foot, provide adequate padding and support, and reduce excessive heel movement. In addition to a custom insole, experts recommend ensuring that you are wearing properly fitted shoes. High heels increase the likelihood of improper weight distribution and excessive pressure in localized areas of the foot. You may need different insoles for different heel heights to ensure your feet are protected and look their best when you slip on those sandals when the sun comes back out. Many women with diabetes experience an increased likelihood of these foot issues. The good news is, diabetic shoes not only help to reduce foot ailments, but they also come in a wide variety of attractive styles including trendy sandals and Mary Janes.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic shoes, as well as braces and supports such as knee braces and back braces. To find high-quality diabetic shoes and braces, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Alternative Treatment for Diabetes

Alternative medicine is a health-related treatment that is not formally classified as a western medical practice. Also known as complementary medicine, alternative medicine can include dietary and lifestyle changes, and includes everything from acupuncture to supplement use. In some cases, alternative treatments are unproven or even dangerous, so it is important to identify the treatments that are safe and those which pose a potential treat. Always consult a physician before including alternative treatments into your diabetes management routine.

To illustrate this point, it is important to recall the Ephedrine (aka ma huang) ban in early 2003. It was the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. A popular component of anti-obesity medications, ephedrine was found to cause more harm than good, with side effects including insomnia, high blood pressure, glaucoma, urinary retention, and stroke. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you always consult a doctor before introducing alternative therapies into your health regimen.

Supplements. Perhaps the area in which you should take the most care is in the arena of supplements. There are many snake oil salesmen out there, happy to exploit your desire for better health. Here is a quick reference list of the supplements that are most frequently associated with diabetes management.

• Magnesium has been a subject of interest in medical circles for its potential for improving glucose levels, as a lack of magnesium has been correlated with abnormalities in insulin secretion.


• There have been several studies that support the use of chromium use for diabetes control, though there are no formal medical recommendations for its use in diabetes management.


• A few studies have suggested that vanadium, a plant derivative, can increase a person's sensitivity to insulin.


• Some other supplements believed by some to manage diabetes include garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, and nettle. ALWAYS talk to your doctor before you introduce significant increases of these items into your diet.

Weight Management.Weight and diabetes are often linked, so weight management is frequently a corner-stone of diabetes treatment. Many diabetics turn to alternative therapies to help with weight loss. Some possible (though unproven and potentially dangerous) weight loss supplements include chitosan, momordica charanta, sauropus androgynus, aristolochic acid, camsogia garcinia (hydroxycitric acid), pyruvate, germander, momordica charanta, chromium, pyruvate, germander, and momordica charanta. ALWAYS discuss weight management with your personal physician prior to introducing any of these into your diet.

Plant and Natural Foods. Brewer's yeast, buckwheat, broccoli and other related greens, okra, peas, fenugreek seeds, and sage are all examples of plant foods believed by some to help with diabetes management. The vast majority of plant foods are high in fiber which is certainly helpful in controlling both glucose levels and appetite. Likewise, a recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals who drank 3 to 4 cups of coffee (decaf or regular) had a 25 percent lower risk for diabetes than those who did not. Further studies are required, but there may be a link between the coffee bean and diabetes prevention.

Alternative Physical Therapies. Exercise is truly the only FDA-approved physical therapy, and even with exercise, it is important to consult a physician before implementing drastic changes to your exercise regimen. In addition to exercise, some alternative treatments include meditation, acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, and even hypnosis. Again, discuss these practices with your doctor before including them as they can be expensive and are not proven diabetes management tools.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About the Author:MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic footwear, including socks for diabetics and custom made orthotics.

Treatment for Severe Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet (also known as “prenated foot” or “fallen arches”) is a condition where one or both feet do not display a normal arch when standing, walking or running. In infancy, all children appear to be flat footed because of a soft fat pad on the foot. Over time, however, that fat pad dissipates and you will be able to discern a clear arch when the child stands. With flat-footed children the foot may appear normal when sitting, but once weight is applied to the foot, it will roll forward at the ankle creating the appearance of a flat or fallen arch.

Flat feet are usually painless and nonthreatening. Unfortunately, in severe cases, a prenated foot condition may lead to pain or aching in the ankle and foot. If your child complains that they are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it is important that they see a foot specialist to discern the root cause. The doctor can determine if fallen arches are the culprit, rather than more serious hip or knee issues. In some rare cases, flat feet may actually be the result of fused foot bones. A simple X-ray can help determine if that is the case. In some cases, the child may benefit from the use of a custom orthotic insole or heel cup that will resituate the foot and alleviate discomfort. Surgery is not a common treatment for children with flat feet, nor is activity avoidance. Most flat-footed children live very normal lives, playing sports and running just as children with normal arches. Treatment is really focused on alleviating pain, and not permanently correcting the arch itself.

When looking for orthotic inserts to treat your child’s foot pain, look for quality which will deliver longer-lasting comfort. Custom orthotic insoles are generally the best choice. You want an insole that will cushion the foot, absorb shock, and transfer to many of the child’s shoes for a consistently comfortable fit. There are a number of different insole styles available depending on your child’s needs. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of support the child requires.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a leading orthotic device supplier specializing in diabetic footwear including shoes and socks for diabetics as well as a full line of orthotic insoles.