Diabetic Foot Ailments

When it comes to diabetes, foot pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms. Whether it’s due to infection or nerve problems, there are various reasons why those with diabetes are likely to suffer from chronic foot pain. Here are some of the top 3 reasons why people with diabetes are prone to foot pain:

Nerve problems

If the foot pain is due to a nerve problem, odds are it’s due to Peripheral Neuropathy or nerve damage due to having diabetes. While there are three types, sensory, motor, and autonomic, sensory neuropathy is the most prevalent amongst the different types.

Sensory Neuropathy

 

This particular type of neuropathy is best characterized by hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to pain. An instance that would not normally cause too much pain may cause a lot more pain to someone who is suffering from sensory neuropathy. However, there also may be a loss of sensation or numbness that can cause someone to not feel as much pain as they normally would. In a nutshell, it’s best defined by disproportionality between pain and sensation.

Treatments/Preventions:

massage foot lightly using foot roller or your handssupportive, cushioned shoes that protect from excessive rubbing & pounding on sides of shoes

Motor Neuropathy

Motor Neuropathy occurs when the muscles of the body begin to become affected by the nerve damage. When this happens, muscles can begin to feel weak or achy. In many cases, this can affect walking which can then result in inflammation, calluses, and overall foot discomfort.

Treatments/Preventions:

correcting gait cycle with supportive shoes and orthoticsfoot exercises and massagingfrequent exercise and movement

Autonomic Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy is related to those parts of the body that are autonomous. This includes regulation of parts such as the sweat glands that can in turn result in dry, cracking skin. This results in infection, calluses, and more overall foot pain.

Treatments./Preventions:

 

overall foot hygienechecking for open sores or ulcersconditioning foot cream

 

Problems with circulation

Another cause of foot pain in those that are affected by diabetes is having problems with circulation. Because of the high levels of blood sugar in the blood vessels, artery walls can thicken as well as form calcium deposits. Because of this, the flow of fresh blood to the body's tissues may become inhibited thus causing some pain in the foot.

In more serious cases, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can also be a common occurrence. This is characterized by the hardening and weakening of the arteries and can lead to decreased blood vessel elasticity and overall blood flow. More prevalent in the lower extremities, symptoms can range from cramping to change in foot color or temperature.

Treatments/Preventions:

• eating healthy
• abstaining from alcohol
• daily exercise routine
• proper footwear

Infections

Those that are affected by diabetes can also become increasingly more susceptible to infection. Whether that be bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections, these infections can affect the foot and cause excruciating pain if not treated properly. Ailments such as athlete’s foot are very common in diabetic persons. Because of the Peripheral Neuropathy, sometimes these infections can go unnoticed or cause extreme pain.

Treatments/Preventions:

• immune-boosting
• supplementsexercise
• good blood sugar maintenance
• good foot hygiene
• proper footwear

Why are insoles one of the best ways to treat diabetic foot ailments?

With the latest in orthotic technology, insoles are now getting even more advanced than ever. Nowadays, there are specific diabetic insoles that are made to treat and prevent foot ailments that are most commonly seen in those that are affected by diabetes. Whether it’s due to nerve damage, circulation problems, or infections, insoles are proven to reduce stress in certain areas of the foot and concentrate the pressure in the proper places.

The unique materials improve blood flow which in turn reduces the chances of developing ulcers, calluses, and other foot ailments. While getting daily exercise is important for diabetic persons, it’s just as important to wear correct footwear that will reduce pain and correct your gait cycle.