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Home Tag: "diabetic foot problems"

Tag: diabetic foot problems

13May

You probably have peripheral neuropathy if you have diabetes and suffer from pain or loss of sensation in your feet. Diabetics are often affected by this form of nerve damage. As you may be aware, this disease raises the risk of foot ulcers and perhaps amputation. If you have neuropathy, you should pay special attention to your extremities.

Read More “How To Manage Peripheral Neuropathy”
6Oct

Progression of diabetic foot ulcers over 10 days with worsening symptoms. People with diabetes experience foot problems often and are always in fear of the unknown, the worst being one in the reality of losing a foot, leg, or toe. Managing diabetes or glucose levels will keep your feet healthy.

Read More “How Diabetes Impacts the Feet”
Podiatrist examining a patient's foot for diabetic foot issues.
3May

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

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot for diabetic foot issues.

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

Close-up of a diabetic foot with severe ulcer and infection.
20Sep

diabetic foot

 Diabetes is a disease that results in inadequate and faulty production or less sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is an important hormone in the body whose function is to assist the cells in absorbing sugar from the blood so that it can be utilized for producing energy.   When this whole process gets disturbed or does not work properly, then the sugar keeps circulating in the blood which leads to various health issues.

 If high levels of sugar continue to persist for a longer period of time, it can harm many parts of the body including the feet. According to a recent survey, diabetes is accountable for causing over 50 percent of foot amputations in the United States. People suffering   from diabetes are   more susceptible to developing foot problems that result due to high levels of blood sugar. Some of the most common foot problems that occur due to diabetes are peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Both these problems are     known to result in severe complications

 The foot problems that are triggered due to diabetes

 The two major foot problems that are caused as a result of diabetes are:

  • Peripheral Vascular Disease-

Diabetes results in alterations in the blood vessels especially the arteries. In this disease, the fatty deposits cause an obstruction in the blood vessels beyond the heart and brain. Peripheral Vascular disease has the tendency to affect the blood vessels leading back and forth from the ends like the hands and feet, minimizing the flow of the blood to both the parts. The decreased level of blood flow can result in wounds that recover at a slow pace, pain, and infection. This disease can develop a serious infection and in such a case, a footdoctor in Houston at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center may recommend foot amputation. A person suffering from peripheral vascular disease is also prone to develop ulcers and gangrene (a condition that is caused due to the death of the tissue because of the lack of blood.)

  • Diabetic Neuropathy –

Over a period of time, diabetes can result in nerve damage that causes numbness in the foot. Such a condition makes it more difficult for a person to feel sensation in the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy also makes it challenging for a diabetic patient to feel any infection, irritation, or soreness at the extremities. They may also not be able to observe when their shoes are rubbing. Diabetic neuropathy can result in a greater risk of blisters, cuts, and sores.

If a person suffering from diabetes does not undergo treatment for the condition, then it can lead to the development of ulcers, infections, and even gangrene.

Symptoms of foot problems

According to DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center’s podiatrists in Houston, foot symptoms that result due to diabetes are as follows:

1) Wounds with drainage

2) Stained socks

3) Severe tingling

4) Blisters without any pain

5) Red striations

6) Numbness or lack of sensation

7)  Temperature variations and skin discoloration

In case of an infection, a diabetic patient may also experience:

1) Chills

2) Shaking

3) Fever

4) High blood sugar levels

5) Redness

Treatment for foot problems

Different surgical and non-surgical options are available for the treatment of foot problems:

  • Non-surgical treatment-

A Houston podiatrist will initially try to treat the condition without any surgery by cleaning and dressing the wound, wearing a total contact cast or cast boot, or carefully observing any gangrene till self-amputation occurs.

  • Surgical treatment –

It includes the removal of dead tissues, amputations, surgical stabilization, arterial bypass, and endovascular surgery.

It is important that you take care of foot hygiene. You can do this by taking steps like washing the feet daily, wearing supportive shoes, trimming nails cautiously, controlling blood sugar levels, going for regular foot examinations, and caring for bunions as well as corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston,TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.