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Posts for: June, 2015

By Kenneth R. Meisler, D.P.M., FACFAS, P.L.L.C.
June 15, 2015
Category: Foot Care

Diabetic Neuropathy: Pay Attention to Your Feet

Diabetes causes a condition of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can affect your entire body, but your legs and feet are parts of your body that are more prone to serious health problems. Damage to the nerves can cause the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect extreme temperatures and pain as easily or readily as someone who does not have diabetes. 
 
This is why diabetics get infections so frequently from something as simple as a small cut or blister on the foot. When a person is unable to detect a foot wound it can easily become infected, leading to more serious complications and even amputation in the most severe cases. With that being said, understanding the connection between foot care and diabetes is important to avoid more serious health problems. If you are diabetic it is important talk to your podiatrist about the best ways to care for your feet. 


What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?


Typically, in diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet you will begin to notice sensory changes such as numbness or tingling in your toes.  Initially, these symptoms may come and go, but, in time, will be constant.  When experiencing these symptoms, they may interfere with your sleep, or cause you to awaken from your sleep.  Over a period of time, these disturbances may cause a loss of feeling that may even hinder your ability to detect the tightness of your shoes.  Even a pebble in your shoe can go unnoticed as time goes on, which can injure your foot.  
 
Neuropathy is the leading cause of ulcers or holes that occur in the feet, as well as infections.  Additionally, neuropathy is the leading cause of the loss of toes and even amputation, with advanced cases.  If nerve compression goes untreated, the nerve itself can become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which cause the nerve to die over time resulting in numb feet.  In many patients, surgery can be performed to relieve these various sites of nerve compression in order to relieve the burning, tingling and pain, or even to restore sensation to your feet in some cases. 


Prevent Complications of Diabetes


If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to examine your feet every day and after every injury, regardless of how minor you may think the injury is.  If you notice redness, swelling, persistent pain, numbness, tingling or any other unusual signs on any part of your foot, call your podiatrist immediately as this could signify serious health problems. 
 
We also recommend that if you have diabetes you should visit your podiatrist, for annual checkups.  We work with you to detect signs of changes, broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. At our practice we can also check your blood circulation, identify loss of sensation or detect areas of high pressure- all of which require professional medical attention. 
 
Early detection, simple care and regular inspections can go a long way to avoid serious foot complications related to diabetes. Diabetes is serious, especially when it comes to your feet. If you have diabetes, talk with your podiatrist about what you can do now to keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy. 

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By Kenneth R. Meisler, D.P.M., FACFAS, P.L.L.C.
June 03, 2015
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Walking Shoes  

Selecting the Best Walking Shoes


When it comes to your health and your feet, walking helps both.  At our office, we want to make sure you are wearing the right shoes to better protect yourself from injury. To protect your feet from complications, it is important to choose the right shoe for your feet.

As a walker, you should look for a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh.  The heel counter should be very firm, as it should have reduced cushioning to position the heel closer to the ground for walking stability. Additionally, the front area of the shoe should have adequate support and flexibility.

Your podiatrist also urges you to make sure the shoe fits your feet accordingly.  The shoe should be snug, but not too tight over the sock.  It should also have plenty of room for the toes to move around.  What athletic shoes you choose are important as well because you don’t want your shoe to become too tight when wearing socks.

More shoe tips offered by your podiatrist include:

  • Check the shoe width to make sure it is comfortable and accommodates the width of the ball of your foot.
  • Make sure the shoe provides good arch support.
  • See that the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the anklebones.  

Proper footwear is essential in protecting your feet from injury and pain, as well as allowing you to properly walk for exercise.  Initially, it is important to meet with your podiatrist prior to beginning any exercise or walking routine.  With the consultation of your podiatrist in New York, a proper walking regimen can be created to ensure appropriate exercise.


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