What You Should Know About Diabetes And Foot Pain

Although flat feet affect a significant part of the population,
so does diabetes. Like those with flat feet, people with
diabetes can develop foot pain. However, the foot condition
that affects diabetics is called diabetic distal symmetric
sensory polyneuropathy, better known as diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that results in the loss of
sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy often develops from
poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet.

Poor blood circulation can occur in diabetics when the arteries
harden from: smoking; high blood pressure; high fat levels in
the blood; high blood sugar. When arteries harden, the feet
receive poor blood flow which also slows down healing. Poor
blood supply symptoms include:

- Cold feet
- Leg pain during walking
- Foot pain while sleeping

Nerve damage can be a hazardous condition. This is because it
is through the nerves that the brain registers sensations.
Someone with nerve damage may not realize that they have an
injury such as a cut or blister. If not taken care of, these
minor foot injuries can develop into ulcers, and if the ulcer
isn't taken care of, gangrene can develop which can lead to
amputation.

Nerve damage symptoms include:

- Pins and needles, pain, or shooting pain in the feet
- Numbness in the feet
- Burning sensation in the feet, especially on the soles

Preventing foot problems – There are many things that can be
done to prevent foot injury and alleviate discomfort. The
following are some preventative tips –

Tip 1 –Monitor your blood sugar levels and carefully follow the
diet provided by your health care provider. Controlling your
blood sugar helps lower the risk of nerve damage.

Tip 2 – Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly,
lose weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and
reduce stress.

Tip 3 – Wash your feet daily with tepid water and mild soap.
Dry your feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes. Also,
inspect your feet daily for blisters, cuts, color changes, or
any other signs of injury.

Tip 4 – Maintain short toenails by cutting the nails straight
across. Be sure to file down any rough edges.

Tip 5 – Wear shoes that are properly fitted to your foot and
provide you with support. Your toes should be able to move
freely, and you shouldn't have to "break in" the shoe. Avoid
wearing heals or shoes with pointed toes or going barefoot
(even in your home). Ask a podiatrist for recommendations.

Tip 6 –Have your doctor examine your feet on a regular basis
(at least annually) to check for poor circulation or nerve
damage.

Treating foot problems – If you have developed an injury or
condition, keep the following in mind:

Corns or calluses – Never try to remove these on your own, or
with over-the-counter treatments. The skin on your feet is very
sensitive and you don't want to risk causing further injury.
Have a podiatrist remove them.

Cuts or blisters – Use a mild antiseptic to clean the injury
such as liquid savlon. Cover the injury with fresh gauze and
surgical tape – not a band-aid.

Pain – if you are experiencing pain in your feet, try taking
general pain relief medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen
or ibuprofen. However, these pain relievers may not be enough,
and you may require prescription meds from your doctor.

When to seek the assistance of your doctor – Although it is not
necessary for you to bring every cut or blister to your doctor
or podiatrists attention, you should seek medical attention
when:

- An injury or cut becomes red or does not heal within 2 days.
- You develop throbbing, swelling, heat, pain, or discoloration
in your feet.

Remember, most diabetic foot pain issues can be prevented when
you take care of yourself and your feet, and you respond
quickly to problems.

About The Author: By Dave Wilson. Sign up for a free newsletter
& discover how to treat your footpain at
http://www.foot-pain-relief.com/?source=is by using the natural
cures for footpain found at
http://www.foot-pain-relief.com/footpain.html?source=is.

John V

John C. Vincent/CEO/The Opt-In Magic System
http://The-Dating-Game-Blog.blogspot.com
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