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One of the most troublesome complications of Diabetes strikes the feet first. Elevated blood sugar damages small blood vessels in the feet which causes damage to sensory nerves.
As these nerves are dying; symptoms include throbbing, numbness, tingling or burning in the feet, the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin, and sharp, shooting pain down the legs. As we lose sensation in the feet, we lose the ability to know when our tissues are being injured. Imagine a rock in your shoe and not being able to feel it, or walking for a long time without the messages back to your brain warning you when you need to rest, get off your feet or change your footwear. Sensory neuropathy (nerves dying) destroys our ability to protect our feet from injury. The best defence against tissue damage common in peripheral neuropathy is to prevent injury in the first place. This can be done through preventative foot checks, callus removal, protective footwear and orthotics specifically for the Neuropathic foot. All people with Diabetes should have a foot screening exam at least every 12 months. Contact us today. Coverage under NIHB, DVA, Social Services and direct billing to extended benefits.
1 Comment
3/30/2023 05:02:29 pm
As a physician specializing in neuropathy, I would like to emphasize that while preventative measures such as foot checks, callus removal, protective footwear, and orthotics are crucial in avoiding injury and managing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, they should not be the only focus of treatment. It is important to address the underlying cause of the neuropathy, which in this case is elevated blood sugar levels, through comprehensive diabetes management, including medication, diet, and exercise. Additionally, early detection and prompt treatment of neuropathy can greatly improve outcomes and prevent irreversible damage. Therefore, regular foot screenings every 12 months may not be sufficient for all patients, and individualized care plans should be developed based on each patient's unique needs and risk factors. Leave a Reply. |
Katia LangtonKatia Langton is trained as a doctor of Chiropractic. She is the owner and operator of Oceanwalk Pedorthic Footcare and is also the Secretary of the Diabetic Foot Stream Committee of the International Diabetes Federation and co-authored the latest IDF guidelines to protect The Diabetic foot from breakdown. Archives
March 2025
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