Have you ever taken off your socks or shoes and saw blood, and had no idea how it happened? Well, 15 percent of patients with diabetes suffer from diabetic foot ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open injury or sore generally situated on the lower part of the foot. It starts from normal factors such as taking an extra-long walk or having a new pair of shoes. The ulcer starts as a small blister or callus on the foot, then the problem progresses.
How do obesity and diabetes impact the feet? Foot health trends are demanding significant changes in foot health services globally and a lot of orthotic materials are designed for multifaceted foot conditions. The issues driving the demand of specific foot care are; the increase of people with diabetes and those who are obese. They have a characteristic of foot health issues that need pressure-relieving orthotic materials and wider-fit footwear. Diabetes and being overweight are amongst the main issues, leaving the population susceptible to diabetes. If you are looking for some expert advice on diabetic foot care, you may want to seek help from a Houston foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your diabetic foot problems. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet
Obesity
The World Health Organization defines obesity and overweight as excessive fat that impairs health. Obesity is when the body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 30 but when it is greater or equal to 25 you are overweight. This is caused by an energy imbalance between consumption of high energy food and low outflow due to decreased physical activity. Obesity is effectively addressed when you focus on physical activity and nutrition. One of the consequences of obesity is it leads to diabetes and different foot health issues.
The body increases in size, fat and mass distribution on the abdomen and truck. This limits balance and stability; the foot shape and size increase in width and depth. The feet motion changes when standing and walking. Overweight individuals walk slower as a result of reduced stride length and double support needed for the body. The posture is different at the trunk because joint angles in gait in ankle joint prolong the plantar flexion and increase abduction at the everted heel and the hip
Foot health proposed solutions increase foot stability to maintain physical activity that will raise the burning of energy to reduce weight. There is a great association between obesity and diabetes because of increased BMI and waist measurements.
Diabetes
Diabetes is commonly caused by the increase to decrease of blood sugar leading to changes in the body. This leads to long-term complications of macro-vascular problems which sometimes lead to amputations. Fifty percent of diabetic patients who have suffered for more than 20 years have an affected nerve function which stiffens the plantar soft tissue. There are specific changes in the lower limbs and feet leading to foot deformities. There is an increase in callous formation, diabetic blister, and diabetic foot ulceration due to increased pressure to the forefoot. There is reduced walking speed, tremor, and greater stance widths. The footpads lose elasticity and thicken causing the metatarsal head to be exposed to glucose, which can cause diabetic foot infection. This reduces the capability of shock absorption of the feet.
It is estimated only 20% of diabetic patients wear correct fitting footwear. Suitable footwear distributes pressure from body weight evenly and prevents foot ulceration. Custom molded insoles reduce plantar pressure when walking and standing.
These specific user needs for diabetes foot, call for specialized foot care from a podiatrist and investment in proper footwear. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our diabetic foot care specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot related issues
