Neuropathy
Of the 16 million Americans who have diabetes,
25% develop foot problems related to the disease. This is primarily
due to a condition called neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy is a
complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. The most common
type of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy and
affects the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that
go out from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal
organs, and glands. Peripheral neuropathy impairs proper functioning
of these sensory and motor nerves. The most common symptoms of
neuropathy include numbness and loss of feeling, usually in the feet
and hands.Diabetic Neuropathy can
cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and
cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts,
scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of
due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left
untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and
possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such
as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take
the necessary precautions to prevent all foot-related injuries. Due
to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is
critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative
foot care measures, he or she reduces the risk of developing serious
foot conditions
The most successful way to prevent diabetic
neuropathy from occurring is to control the diabetes. It is
important to maintain blood sugars at normal levels and maintain
normal blood pressure. In addition to this, it is important to:
- Stop smoking
- Stop drinking (or at least limit it)
- Get regular exams
- Daily
examine your feet
- Exercise regularly
It is important for diabetics to treat their
feet properly to avoid any future problems. Footwear and foot
orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare. Footwear that
fits poorly can cause irritation and injury. Orthotics designed with
PlastazoteŽ,
the #1 material for protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are
also frequently recommended. Plastazote is a material designed to
accommodate pressure “hot spots” by conforming to heat and pressure.
By customizing to the foot, Plastazote provides the comfort and
protection needed in diabetic footcare. Footwear constructed with
Plastazote is often recommended for the diabetic patient.
It is important for diabetics with
neuropathy to take the necessary precautions to prevent injury and
keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a
foot problem, immediately consult with your foot doctor.
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