| LEARN ABOUT FEET | Diabetes & Your Feet |
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Diabetes afflicts over twenty million people in the United States. Almost half of all diabetic patients do not know they have the disease. This metabolic disease is the result of elevated glucose levels due to an imbalance in insulin levels. A chronic elevation of blood sugar can cause long-term damage to the eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, feet, nerves, and blood vessels.
About 15% of all diabetics will at some time develop an open wound (ulceration) on one of their feet. Twenty percent of those ulcerations will lead to an amputation. If you have this disease or to learn more about it go to the following link, www.diabetes.org.
Treating the Diabetic Foot
We at SHOES-n-FEET® understand the needs of the diabetic foot. Often the diabetic foot will swell more than a normal foot and experience the loss of nerve sensation called neuropathy. We carry a number of shoes designed to accomidate these specific issues. We also train our Shoe Fitting Specialists in the proper fitting techniques for the diabetic foot.
There are three steps to taking care of a diabetic’s foot; they include proper fit, good socks, and a medical professional who understands diabetes. The proper fit of the shoe will eliminate pressure points which can result in irritation, infection, ulceration and ultimately amputation. A good diabetic shoe must be long enough with a properly deep toe box to give the foot room to swell and help guard against the toes hitting the front or top of the shoe and becoming ulcerated.
Proper socks are essential in helping keep the foot healthy. They do this by wicking away perspiration which can cause the skin to soften and blister. Proper socks should be constructed of a moisture wicking fabric and have few if any seams. A good sock should also allow for proper blood circulation and not cut off or restrict it. SHOES-n-FEET® carries a number of socks designed to keep the diabetic foot healthy.
Lastly, it is important to have a medical professional who specializes in diabetes help manage your overall condition, however, it is equally as important to have a medical professional who specializes in feet (podiatrist) to help you take care of your feet. SHOES-n-FEET® can refer you to a podiatrist who is familiar in working with the diabetic foot. All you have to do is stop by or call your local store.
Warning Signs
The following are some of the warning signs of possible diabetic foot complications:
- Color changes of the skin
- Elevation of skin temperature
- Swelling of the foot or ankle
- Open soars that are slow to heal
- Ingrown and fungus infected toenails
- Corns and calluses with bleeding within the skin
- Dry fissures (cracks) in the skin, especially around the heel
Go to the following link for more information: www.diabetes.org.
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