In honour of Diabetes month, I wanted to talk about a condition that many people experience that come to see us…. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
Diabetic neuropathy is a more serious complication of diabetes when elevated blood sugar levels damage nerves leading to loss of feeling in the extremities, most often in the feet and lower legs.
Custom-made orthoses are often prescribed to distribute pressure evenly on the bottom of the foot. Orthotics made for people with diabetic neuropathy are often made from materials that are soft and cushioned, support the entire foot, reduce friction and accommodate any deformities of the foot.
The loss of feeling in the feet often results in the inability to detect small sores or cuts on the feet, which can easily progress to an ulcer. This can happen from a small stone or other item that has gotten into the shoe that someone without neuropathy would notice.
In order to prevent these more serious complications:
Check your feet with a mirror for any signs of redness or sores
Check inside your footwear each day, removing any foreign objects and looking for signs of wear
Ensuring shoes fit the foot properly (proper shape, length, and width) to avoid excess pressure on the foot, which can lead to skin breakdown
Regular appointments with your Pedorthist to ensure your orthotics and footwear are still supporting the feet properly
Regular foot care appointments to ensure the skin and nails remain trimmed and healthy
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