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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Approximately one fifth of diabetics are hospitalized for foot problems. There are many unfortunate factors that contribute to this. Diabetics endure an increased build up of calluses which can thicken and break, leading to ulcers. Poor circulation impairs the diabetic’s ability to fight infection and heal. To further complicate this, diabetics frequently experience nerve damage which can diminish sensation; they may not even realize an injury has occurred. Even simple injuries such as minor cuts and scratches can become infected when they go unnoticed. In severe situations, these infections may require antibiotics, hospitalization, and even amputation. For this reason, it is of critical importance that diabetics practice rigorous foot care. The following is a recommended list of care procedures that will help keep diabetic feet healthy.

• Never ignore foot irritation of any kind.
• Wash your feet every day with warm water but do not soak them. Test the water heat with your elbow to ensure you do not burn your feet.
  
• If the skin on your feet is dry, use lotion, but be careful not to put lotion between your toes as the area can breed bacteria.
  
• After washing your feet, file calluses and corns down gently with an emery board.
  
• Trim your toenails once a week (or as needed) after you shower. Shape the nail around the toes, careful not to cut too short. File the edges to prevent snagging and tearing.
  
• Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, cuts, redness, irritation, calluses or other issues. If you cannot reach your feet, use a mirror or have a trusted friend or family member check for you.
  
• Always wear shoes or slippers. Never walk around bare foot.
  
• Choosing the right diabetic footwear is critical as most diabetic foot ailments are the direct result of poor fitting shoes. You should always wear shoes that fit correctly. They should not be too tight or allow your foot to slide around. High heels and pointed toes should be avoided whenever possible. Breathable fabrics such as leather and canvas along with mesh vents help to prevent bacteria-friendly environments. Always use stocking or socks which help to stave off blisters. There are even special seamless socks for diabetics which further minimize the potential for irritation.
• Again – it’s worth repeating - never ignore foot irritation of any kind. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any issues. Warning signs include swelling, pain in your legs, cracks (especially around the heel), corns or calluses that bleed, nail issues, open sores, changes in color of the skin, and changes in skin temperature.
  
• Even if injury free, visit your doctor for an annual foot check-up or as recommended by a medical professional.

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 MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of shoes for diabetics as well as custom made orthotics. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Tips for Taking Care of Diabetic Feet

People who have diabetes know that they need to take extra care of their feet to reduce or eliminate the pain and complications often associated with the disease. Pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, including the feet, are commonly experienced by people with diabetes. Neuropathy can cause injuries to go unnoticed, and reduced circulation to the extremities can slow healing after an injury has occurred. Here are a few precautions that may be recommended to help care for diabetic feet:

Thoroughly inspect feet for injuries each day. A loss of sensation can lead cuts, bruises, blisters or ulcers on the feet to go unnoticed in people with diabetes. Discovering and treating any such problems early can help keep them from worsening. Examining the feet daily is a good idea for anyone with diabetes.

Contact your medical professional immediately if any foot problems are observed. Discovering and treating any potential foot issues early gives you the chance to begin treatment right away. Many foot related problems can worsen or become infected if they go unnoticed.

Wear properly fitted diabetic footwear for your needs. Diabetic footwear is designed to provide optimal support and distribute the weight of the body such that foot pain is minimized. Podiatrists and certified pedorthists can help people with diabetes select appropriately fitted footwear for their needs.

Avoid going barefoot to reduce the chance of injury. Preventing cuts and other foot injuries is a precaution that can help minimize foot problems and infections in diabetics. Wearing shoes at all times is one way to help prevent unnecessary injuries that can lead to infections.

Wash and dry feet well daily. Washing the feet daily helps promote foot health. Drying the feet completely, particularly between the toes, is also very important for people who have diabetes.

Work with your doctor to determine what treatments work for you. Since the same treatments options may not work for each patient, working with a medical professional such as a podiatrist or certified pedorthist will help you determine the best way to care for your feet.

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 Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a provider of wholesale orthopedic products including diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, braces and more. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.