Summer is Approaching.. Diabetics Check your Feet!
Summer time is almost here. The weather is becoming nicer and all I can think about is ditching my boots and closed toe shoes and putting on my sandals. Are my feet ready. Have I been taking care of them all winter long? Are they dry or possibly cracked?
Here are a couple things to think about before you make the leap to sandal time:
1. Make sure that the sandal you pick has a sturdy sole with good arch support. One with a strap that holds your foot in place is a great shoe. Those flat flip flops that are 5 dollars at walmart are going to kill your feet.
2. Your feet should not have any open lesions if you are wearing an open shoe. Check your feet for dryness, cracks, blisters, or any signs of redness. Cracks or blisters can open during the day and bacteria can cause a skin infection. A cream that has a urea base to it will help get your skin sandal ready in just a couple of weeks.
3. Make sure that you are checking your feet every day. Look in between your toes and at the bottom of your feet. Make sure to check them muiltiple times a day when you are wearing a new sandal or water shoe.
4. Remember that sandals do not have the same support as your walking shoes. Do not wear your sandals when going on long errands, to the mall, or to an amusement park. It is better to save the open toe shoes for short errands, lunch with a friend and for pool time.
5. Always remember that as a Diabetic you have a higher risk for developing sores, blisters and other problems with your feet. If you notice any issues seek medical attention with a podiatrist.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nutrition May Be The Key To Limiting Complications
Diabetic complications are becoming more well known. In fact, many people are advocating aggressive control of diabetes to control the diabetic complications. Some nutrition changes may further help limit these complications also. Let me list the 4 key elements that will help limit diabetic complications:
1. Avoid excessive alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to to increase the oxidative damage to nerves that can further lead to neuropathy. Although regular alcohol use should not increase this risk, excessive alcohol can even cause neuropathy without other causes. Limit your alcohol consumption to reduce neuropathy risks.
2. Well balanced diet. Eating a quality diet helps provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that are utilized by the body to repair tissues and maintain the functioning thereof. If a diet has limitations in any essetial nutrient, increased risks of complications will present. Some common vitamins that have been associated with diabetic complications include vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid, and B1. Often supplementing this nutrients may improve complications, even the presentation of neuropathy.
3. Avoid smoking. Although not exactly a nutrition aspect, smoking has been associated with decreased circulation to the feet (from the nicotin) and can cause significant complications to the extremities (feet and hands). Not smoking is therefore a key point to consider.
4. Exercise. I have long felt that exercise of any level is an important part of nutrition. Eating correctly can only help to a point. Activities can improve the functioning of all the internal systems, improving the metabolism of foods, the digestion of foods and even the bodies use of these foods. This is one of the reasons exercise has been shown to not just limit complications but even improve symptoms of diabetes.
If you want to limit your diabetic complications, following these 4 steps can significantly help. So lets limit your complications from diabetes... For additional information, visit our Diabetes Page.
1. Avoid excessive alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to to increase the oxidative damage to nerves that can further lead to neuropathy. Although regular alcohol use should not increase this risk, excessive alcohol can even cause neuropathy without other causes. Limit your alcohol consumption to reduce neuropathy risks.
2. Well balanced diet. Eating a quality diet helps provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that are utilized by the body to repair tissues and maintain the functioning thereof. If a diet has limitations in any essetial nutrient, increased risks of complications will present. Some common vitamins that have been associated with diabetic complications include vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid, and B1. Often supplementing this nutrients may improve complications, even the presentation of neuropathy.
3. Avoid smoking. Although not exactly a nutrition aspect, smoking has been associated with decreased circulation to the feet (from the nicotin) and can cause significant complications to the extremities (feet and hands). Not smoking is therefore a key point to consider.
4. Exercise. I have long felt that exercise of any level is an important part of nutrition. Eating correctly can only help to a point. Activities can improve the functioning of all the internal systems, improving the metabolism of foods, the digestion of foods and even the bodies use of these foods. This is one of the reasons exercise has been shown to not just limit complications but even improve symptoms of diabetes.
If you want to limit your diabetic complications, following these 4 steps can significantly help. So lets limit your complications from diabetes... For additional information, visit our Diabetes Page.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
How to Get Rid of Your Winter Alligator Skin
Get Rid of My Dry Skin Dry skin! As the air gets cold, the moisture in the air decreases. The air will steal moisture from your skin and as a result, your skin will be drier this time of the year.
Chapped lips and itchy skin goes hand in hand (or foot and foot) with the season. If you already have dry or sensitive skin, the winter can be especially brutal. How to tackle the dry air or just dry skin in general. What else can cause dry skin? Having sweaty feet can cause dry feet! When your feet sweat, they are pulling out the moisture from your body. Thus, many will notice that after they allow their feet dry, their skin will be very dry.
Fungus, will also eat up the moisture in your foot and leave the skin dry and flakey. There are many different skin conditions that can cause dry skin. Psoriasis is the most common, but there are several other common conditions that will leave you dry. If the your feet are dry and cracking open, it is best to seek a medical professional such as a podiatrist to address the problem. When cracks or fissures are forming, there is often a systemic disease that is causing problems in the skin and other organs. If the condition has been there for many years or does not respond to at home treatments, a more aggressive treatment may be necessary that can be provided by medical professionals
When shopping for a lotion to sooth your skin, make sure to read the label. The lotions should be water based and contain little to no alcohol. Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer that does wonders to the skin on many different levels. It can be found in many common over the counter lotions today. If your feet are exceptionally dry, you can apply lotion to your skin at night and wear socks while you sleep. Creams are better than lotions for thick skin areas, like the soles of your feet.
Do not apply lotion between your toes and avoid this area with any moisturizing product. The skin between your toes in very thin and sensitive and can easily macerate when too moist. When shopping for shoes, choose light colors and materials that allow air flow. Synthetic materials tend to reflect heat and cause the feet to sweat. Socks can also help you control the moisture in your foot. Fabric made up of a mix of cotton and polyester can help wick away sweat from your foot and will decrease the amount of moisture that evaporates of your skin.
Whether it is the dry air or something you are fighting all year long, it may be time to give your feet a special gift this season. Fill up the bath, soak your feet, and enjoy some nice relaxing lotion. Soothing your feet is like soothing your soul.
Chapped lips and itchy skin goes hand in hand (or foot and foot) with the season. If you already have dry or sensitive skin, the winter can be especially brutal. How to tackle the dry air or just dry skin in general. What else can cause dry skin? Having sweaty feet can cause dry feet! When your feet sweat, they are pulling out the moisture from your body. Thus, many will notice that after they allow their feet dry, their skin will be very dry.
Fungus, will also eat up the moisture in your foot and leave the skin dry and flakey. There are many different skin conditions that can cause dry skin. Psoriasis is the most common, but there are several other common conditions that will leave you dry. If the your feet are dry and cracking open, it is best to seek a medical professional such as a podiatrist to address the problem. When cracks or fissures are forming, there is often a systemic disease that is causing problems in the skin and other organs. If the condition has been there for many years or does not respond to at home treatments, a more aggressive treatment may be necessary that can be provided by medical professionals
When shopping for a lotion to sooth your skin, make sure to read the label. The lotions should be water based and contain little to no alcohol. Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer that does wonders to the skin on many different levels. It can be found in many common over the counter lotions today. If your feet are exceptionally dry, you can apply lotion to your skin at night and wear socks while you sleep. Creams are better than lotions for thick skin areas, like the soles of your feet.
Do not apply lotion between your toes and avoid this area with any moisturizing product. The skin between your toes in very thin and sensitive and can easily macerate when too moist. When shopping for shoes, choose light colors and materials that allow air flow. Synthetic materials tend to reflect heat and cause the feet to sweat. Socks can also help you control the moisture in your foot. Fabric made up of a mix of cotton and polyester can help wick away sweat from your foot and will decrease the amount of moisture that evaporates of your skin.
Whether it is the dry air or something you are fighting all year long, it may be time to give your feet a special gift this season. Fill up the bath, soak your feet, and enjoy some nice relaxing lotion. Soothing your feet is like soothing your soul.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Dance for Diabetes: Podiatry School Gives Back
On January 16, 2010, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (SCPM) in conjunction with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) hosted the 23rd Annual Dance for Diabetes at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. This annual event helps raise money to donate to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help fund research on preventative medicine and education on Diabetes.
Scholl College of Podiatric medicine has been dedicated to raising money for the American Diabetes Association for the past 23 years due to its close professional tie to diabetes. Ask any podiatrist out there about diabetes link to their profession and they will go on for hours about how diabetes affects the lives of many of their patients.
In the past 20 years diabetes has become an epidemic in American society. Currently affecting more then 24 million people in the United States, Diabetes is projected to keep increasing in prevalence over the next decade if the Americans do not change their lifestyles. The reason for the huge increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is strongly correlated to obesity rate of this country.
Diabetes is a disease that really affects the entire body but has special effects on the lower extremities which is why diabetics are frequent visitors to Podiatry offices. Diabetes leads to peripheral neuropathy which causes diabetics to lose sensation in their extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to ulcerations of the feet which can lead to further complications such as infection.
Due to the fact that podiatrists see the devastating side effects of diabetes in their patients many of them become very passionate about raising awareness for Diabetes prevention and research. Undoubtedly this is why SCPM students and faculty work so hard every year to raise money through Dance for Diabetes to donate to the ADA. This year the college was pleased to announce that they donated $21,278 to the American Diabetes Association which is the second largest amount raised by the college in the last 23 years and the most donated since SCPM merged with RFUMS. Congratulations to the all the students and faculty at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine for raising awareness for a cause that they feel so passionate about. Hopefully Dance for Diabetes will be a tradition that lives on for many years to come.
Scholl College of Podiatric medicine has been dedicated to raising money for the American Diabetes Association for the past 23 years due to its close professional tie to diabetes. Ask any podiatrist out there about diabetes link to their profession and they will go on for hours about how diabetes affects the lives of many of their patients.
In the past 20 years diabetes has become an epidemic in American society. Currently affecting more then 24 million people in the United States, Diabetes is projected to keep increasing in prevalence over the next decade if the Americans do not change their lifestyles. The reason for the huge increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is strongly correlated to obesity rate of this country.
Diabetes is a disease that really affects the entire body but has special effects on the lower extremities which is why diabetics are frequent visitors to Podiatry offices. Diabetes leads to peripheral neuropathy which causes diabetics to lose sensation in their extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to ulcerations of the feet which can lead to further complications such as infection.
Due to the fact that podiatrists see the devastating side effects of diabetes in their patients many of them become very passionate about raising awareness for Diabetes prevention and research. Undoubtedly this is why SCPM students and faculty work so hard every year to raise money through Dance for Diabetes to donate to the ADA. This year the college was pleased to announce that they donated $21,278 to the American Diabetes Association which is the second largest amount raised by the college in the last 23 years and the most donated since SCPM merged with RFUMS. Congratulations to the all the students and faculty at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine for raising awareness for a cause that they feel so passionate about. Hopefully Dance for Diabetes will be a tradition that lives on for many years to come.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Coffee Drinkers Have a Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes!
Coffe Drinkers Rejoice!
December 23, 2009 — High intakes of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea are associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the December 14/28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Coffee consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus," write Rachel Huxley, DPhil, of the George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues. "Similar associations have also been reported for decaffeinated coffee and tea. We report herein the findings of meta-analyses for the association between coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption with risk of diabetes."
For full article click here.
December 23, 2009 — High intakes of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea are associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the December 14/28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Coffee consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus," write Rachel Huxley, DPhil, of the George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues. "Similar associations have also been reported for decaffeinated coffee and tea. We report herein the findings of meta-analyses for the association between coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption with risk of diabetes."
For full article click here.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Foot Padding, Foot Inserts and Foot Appliances Oh My!
Did you know the use of pads, inserts and other foot appliances are a great way to treat many foot problems? With a bit of research and help from your local Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped.), you just might find the right device to aid in resolving your foot issue.
Minor foot problems such as corns, calluses, blisters or other rubbing problems of the foot can easily be treated by an array of products available to you. The trick is to know what product to use and when to use it.
First ensure you know exactly what the issue is with your foot. For minor issues, meet with your local C. Ped. and bring a sampling of your existing shoes. Be prepared to discuss exactly what is happening, the area affected and when or how often the issue is occurring. Your C.Ped. can determine if your existing shoes are appropiate for your foot type and not a contributor to the issue along with recommending over the counter treatment options. If however, the issue is beyond a minor foot problem, you may be recommended to consult your local Podiatrist for further evaluation.
With minor foot issues, there are pads for relief of pressure sores from bunions or hammertoes, or for relief of a heel rubbing against the inside of the heel counter of your shoes. The item may be made of felt with an adhesive backing, but are also available in newer materials such as silicone or a soft, gel type material called viscoelastic polymer.
Some of the over the counter options available are:
Precut simple foam pads can help relieve certain forms of heel pain.
A rubber waffle pattern heel cup can help absorb the shock of heel strike.
Toe spaces, used to reduce symptoms caused by one toe touching another, such as soft corns: or to help maintain a corrected bunion.
Cushions can be used to relieve symptoms of a hammer toe or corns.
Toe caps are used to protect the toes from trauma or aid in the reduction of rubbing or blistering.
Forefoot pads to aid in the reduction of forefoot pain.
Orthotics or inserts to correct biomechanical issues – note, you should always see a professional to ensure you receive the appropiate amount of correction based on your foot type.
As you can see, there are many items to assist you in resolving your foot issue. At Healthy Steps, we provide many options for you to choose. Stop in and meet with our staff to help you step in the right direction this holiday season!
We would also like to thank you for your support and look forward to serving you in the upcoming new year. From the staff at Healthy Steps, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!
Healthy Steps…..for your feet…for your life!
Minor foot problems such as corns, calluses, blisters or other rubbing problems of the foot can easily be treated by an array of products available to you. The trick is to know what product to use and when to use it.
First ensure you know exactly what the issue is with your foot. For minor issues, meet with your local C. Ped. and bring a sampling of your existing shoes. Be prepared to discuss exactly what is happening, the area affected and when or how often the issue is occurring. Your C.Ped. can determine if your existing shoes are appropiate for your foot type and not a contributor to the issue along with recommending over the counter treatment options. If however, the issue is beyond a minor foot problem, you may be recommended to consult your local Podiatrist for further evaluation.
With minor foot issues, there are pads for relief of pressure sores from bunions or hammertoes, or for relief of a heel rubbing against the inside of the heel counter of your shoes. The item may be made of felt with an adhesive backing, but are also available in newer materials such as silicone or a soft, gel type material called viscoelastic polymer.
Some of the over the counter options available are:
Precut simple foam pads can help relieve certain forms of heel pain.
A rubber waffle pattern heel cup can help absorb the shock of heel strike.
Toe spaces, used to reduce symptoms caused by one toe touching another, such as soft corns: or to help maintain a corrected bunion.
Cushions can be used to relieve symptoms of a hammer toe or corns.
Toe caps are used to protect the toes from trauma or aid in the reduction of rubbing or blistering.
Forefoot pads to aid in the reduction of forefoot pain.
Orthotics or inserts to correct biomechanical issues – note, you should always see a professional to ensure you receive the appropiate amount of correction based on your foot type.
As you can see, there are many items to assist you in resolving your foot issue. At Healthy Steps, we provide many options for you to choose. Stop in and meet with our staff to help you step in the right direction this holiday season!
We would also like to thank you for your support and look forward to serving you in the upcoming new year. From the staff at Healthy Steps, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!
Healthy Steps…..for your feet…for your life!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
So what exactly is a Diabetic ulcer and why is it so bad?
Those with diabetes and their friends and family members have at one point and time heard the term “diabetic ulcer”. And it is usually followed by “that’s why their foot was amputated”. So what is a diabetic ulcer?
An ulcer is any break in the skin that does not heal in a reasonable amount of time, usually a week to 10 days. This can occur anywhere, not just the feet. But for diabetics, the feet are the most common place for ulcerations to occur. This is due to 2 problems: neuropathy and pressure.
Neuropathy is the loss of sensation that can occur with long term or uncontrolled diabetes. Once you cannot feel things like heat, friction or pain, then any area of pressure can form a callus on the foot. When this callus is present for several days to weeks without being treated, the skin under the callus becomes soft and breaks down, resulting in an ulcer. This is now an all access pass for bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. That infection, if left untreated, can cause loss of part or all of the foot or leg.
I often have patients that tell me they attempted to treat the ulcer for several days to weeks before coming in the office. They applied Neosporin and washed it every day, but it just wasn’t getting better. To treat an ulcer effectively, several things need to occur. First and foremost, stop any infection that may be brewing or already started. No ulcer will heal if it is infected. This is done with topical ointments that are more effective at treating infection than Neosporin and antibiotics. Next, removing any tissue that may be harboring bacteria and also slowing down the healing progress of the ulcer. Lastly, take away the pressure. If an ulcer has constant pressure applied, then good healthy skin cannot grow over it to heal. So using special offloading boots or shoes to reduce the pressure is crucial in treating the wound.
Other factors in treating your ulcer include keeping your sugars in control and eating a well balanced diet. With high sugars, the body has a great deal of trouble healing any wound and it has a harder time fighting off infection. Remember….bacteria loves sugar!!
Once the ulcer is healed, the next step is preventing another one. If you haven’t seen a podiatrist and you are diabetic, now is the best time to have those feet checked for any signs that an ulcer could form. If you have had an ulcer in the past and have not seen your podiatrist in over a year, get on the phone and make an appointment! Prevention is the key to saving your feet!
An ulcer is any break in the skin that does not heal in a reasonable amount of time, usually a week to 10 days. This can occur anywhere, not just the feet. But for diabetics, the feet are the most common place for ulcerations to occur. This is due to 2 problems: neuropathy and pressure.
Neuropathy is the loss of sensation that can occur with long term or uncontrolled diabetes. Once you cannot feel things like heat, friction or pain, then any area of pressure can form a callus on the foot. When this callus is present for several days to weeks without being treated, the skin under the callus becomes soft and breaks down, resulting in an ulcer. This is now an all access pass for bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. That infection, if left untreated, can cause loss of part or all of the foot or leg.
I often have patients that tell me they attempted to treat the ulcer for several days to weeks before coming in the office. They applied Neosporin and washed it every day, but it just wasn’t getting better. To treat an ulcer effectively, several things need to occur. First and foremost, stop any infection that may be brewing or already started. No ulcer will heal if it is infected. This is done with topical ointments that are more effective at treating infection than Neosporin and antibiotics. Next, removing any tissue that may be harboring bacteria and also slowing down the healing progress of the ulcer. Lastly, take away the pressure. If an ulcer has constant pressure applied, then good healthy skin cannot grow over it to heal. So using special offloading boots or shoes to reduce the pressure is crucial in treating the wound.
Other factors in treating your ulcer include keeping your sugars in control and eating a well balanced diet. With high sugars, the body has a great deal of trouble healing any wound and it has a harder time fighting off infection. Remember….bacteria loves sugar!!
Once the ulcer is healed, the next step is preventing another one. If you haven’t seen a podiatrist and you are diabetic, now is the best time to have those feet checked for any signs that an ulcer could form. If you have had an ulcer in the past and have not seen your podiatrist in over a year, get on the phone and make an appointment! Prevention is the key to saving your feet!
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