Since May is National Diabetes Awareness Month, we only find it appropriate to post an article about Diabetes and it can affect the health of your feet.
The following is a great video clip taken from ABC TV, which has a foot expert touching on the subject.
Some general information:
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin or can’t use insulin properly. There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body’s pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or your body’s cells ignore the insulin. Between 90% and 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.
Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.
With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.
Here's some basic advice for taking care of your feet:
Always keep your feet warm.
Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.
Don't put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
Don't soak your feet.
Don't use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
Wear loose socks to bed.
Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don't wear the same pair everyday. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don't lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.
Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.
When your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced "sharko") foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn't hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.
The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot's movement and supports its contours if you don't put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Keeping Feet Fit! Are Your Feet Ready for Spring?
It's no secret that most of us don't find it necessary to pay attention to our feet, until they hurt. If you want to prepare your feet for the outdoor activities that the spring and summer months hold and avoid likely injuries to your feet, you must "Get to know your feet."
Common injuries that pop up around this time every year are:
Achilles Tendonitis (Running, Walking, Jogging)
Plantar Fasciitis (Commonly caused by running in improper footwear)
Another injury to protect against are infections of the foot. Lacerations, punctures, or insect bites from walking outside can open up doors to foot fungus problems, such as:
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Fungal Nails
Remember to protect your feet this spring by wearing proper foot wear and slowly easing yourself into your spring/summer workout routines.
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain Stretches - (VIDEO)
Some great foot exercises and stretches are demonstrated the above video. A definite "must-watch" for any suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
If you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, come in and see us today! 780 488 4844
Friday, 8 April 2011
Orthotics
Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.
Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.
For more information orthotics and how they can help you, please give us a call at: 780 488 4844
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Arthritis Foot Care Tips
Home Feet Home
Regardless if you have arthritis or not, the best thing you can do for your feet is find shoes that fit and feel comfortable. Here are some tips for finding the perfect pair for your feet.
- Buy a pair shaped like your feet. To find out if your current shoes are causing problem, outline them on a piece of tracing paper. Then outline your bare feet on top of those tracings. If your feet are outside of the shoe tracing, you have problems. Look at buying shoes that are square or rounded at the toe. These shoes will give your feet more room to move.
- Get the support you need. Find shoes with good arch support and an additional layer of support on top of the shoe. These qualities are most common in athletic shoes.
- Rubber soles are key! The rubber material will provide more cushioning for your foot. When trying on, be sure to check the flexibility of the shoe near the ball of your foot.
- Say no to heels! Heels increase the amount of stress on your feet and restrict your toes ability to move.
Stretch Your Self, Before You Wreck Yourself
Well-exercised and fit feet, may not be as noticeable as biceps, but they are just as important when comes to keeping your body healthy and pain-free. Be sure to consult us before starting a routine foot exercise regime.
- Achilles stretch. Lean against a wall, palms flat on the wall, one foot forward, one foot back. Leave the heel on the floor and lean forward, feeling the pull in your Achilles tendon and calf. Do three times, holding for 10 seconds each time.
- Big-toe stretch. Loop one thick rubber band around your big toes and pull the big toes away from each other and toward your other toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
- Toe pull. Put a rubber band around the toes of each foot and spread your toes. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.
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