Diabetes Foot Pain

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Diabetes foot pain frequently happens in later stages and is simply explained here. Diabetes affects your feet in two ways. First, diabetes reduces blood flow to your feet. This impaired circulation means cuts, blisters or inflammations are sources of infection.

That is because of the reduced circulation of your blood. The second effect is from diabetes neuropathy. The nerve cells at the tips of your toes die from lack of blood flow. You feel numbness and/or tingling.

So, because a cut or a bruise will cause no pain, the chance of infection is much greater. We have some guidelines for you to prevent diabetes foot pain. They are listed below.

• Inspect your feet everyday. Look at your feet everyday. Inspect between the toes where infection can start. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror. They sell them with long handles to help you.
• Wash your feet with warm water. You may not feel hot water. It is better to use lukewarm water. Pat your feet dry and dry between your toes. Some talcum powder will dry the toes.
• Make sure your shoes fit properly. Any rubbing from an ill-fitting show can cause a blister. The blister can turn into a sore that never heals. Infection ensues. You spend more time in your shoes than you do in your bed. It is a worthwhile investment to pay a lot for your shoes.
• Always wear socks. You may want to look stylish without socks or nylons, but it is not a good idea if you are diabetic. You need to protect your feet! Thick socks work best. The “world’s softest socks” are a great brand and so are “diabetic socks” without any elastic. CVS and Walgreens sell these types of socks.
• Don’t be afraid to see your doctor. Any change in your toes, your feet or your legs ought to be checked out by a physician. There is nothing funny about losing a foot to amputation. Speak up!
• Try to stay soft in the feet. Cracked or calloused skin needs attention. Use some penetrating moisturizer everyday. The goal is to keep the feet soft and intact. There is nothing so painful as cracked heels that bleed. You really have to take of that.
• Exercise with caution. Running and jogging may not be for you. Less impact on the feet is helpful. Swimming, cycling, or yoga are good alternatives.
• See a podiatrist. A foot doctor is imperative. That’s because he works with feet all day long, everyday of the month. He performs surgery on feet. He will know how to fix corns and calluses. No problem is too small for a foot doctor. Do not wait until it is too late. That’s when gangrene sets in and amputation is the only answer.
• Use orthotics. Your podiatrist can fit you with inserts for your shoes that will support you. If pain or weakness is so severe that you cannot walk, you may need orthopedic shoes or a foot brace. A podiatrist is the doctor to see about this.
• Control your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association says that chances of foot neuropathy are lowered by 64% with strict glucose control. For heavens sake, measure your blood sugar everyday.

Your feet are your source of freedom - freedom from wheelchairs and crutches and walkers. Be kind to your feet. Treat them with tender loving care. They will thank you, as you get older.

Conclusion

We have explained to you all about diabetes foot pain. Diabetes neuropathy is a real danger to you. Let us know if you have any questions. Elsewhere on this web site is information about type 2 diabetes, a diabetes food guide, and signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Margaret Stenerson
March 5, 2010