Diabetes, Neuropathy, and Your Feet

By Timothy Barber, CEO/President

Barber D.M.E. Supply Group

. http://www.barberdmestore.com/

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Diabetes, Neuropathy, and Your Feet

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes. Many people with diabetes suffer from diabetic neuropathy, or in simpler terms nerve damage/disorder.

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. They can develop throughout the body. Some people may have no symptoms while others may have pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

The nerves to the feet are the ones most often affected by neuropathy. Loss of sensation in the feet means that sores or injuries may not be noticed and may become ulcerated or infected. Circulation problems also increase the risk of foot ulcers.

Many lower-limb amputations within the United States occur in people with diabetes 86,000 per year. Doctors estimate that nearly half of these amputations could have been prevented by careful foot care.

The National Institutes of Health recommend the following steps to help mitigate the effects of neuropathy and improve the overall health of your feet

Clean your feet daily, using warm not hot water and a mild soap. Avoid soaking your feet. Dry them with a soft towel and dry carefully between your toes.

Inspect your feet and toes every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, or other problems. Use a mirror (laying a mirror on the floor works well) or get help from someone else if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet.

Moisturize your feet with lotion, but avoid getting the lotion between your toes.

After a bath or shower, file corns and calluses gently with a pumice stone.

Each week or when needed, cut your toenails to the shape of your toes and file the edges with an emery board.

Always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries. Prevent skin irritation by wearing thick, soft, seamless socks.

Ensure that the shoes you wear are properly fitted for you by a certified specialist and are designed to treat diabetes.

Wear shoes that fit well and allow your toes to move. Break in new shoes gradually by first wearing them for only an hour at a time.

Before putting your shoes on, look them over carefully and feel the insides to make sure they have no tears, sharp edges, or objects in them that might injure your feet.

If you need help taking care of your feet, make an appointment to see a foot doctor, also called a podiatrist.