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Neuropathy
Definition
Of the 16 million Americans with diabetes, 25% develop foot
problems related to the disease. This is primarily due to a
condition called neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy is a
complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. The most
common type of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral
neuropathy and affects the peripheral nerves. Peripheral
nerves are the nerves that go out from the brain and spinal
cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands.
Peripheral neuropathy impairs proper functioning of these
sensory and motor nerves. The most common symptoms of
neuropathy include numbness and loss of feeling, usually in
the feet and hands.
Cause
Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of
ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from
neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or
pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the
insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated,
complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly
even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as
Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary
precautions to prevent all foot-related injuries. Due to the
consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is
critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary
preventative footcare measures, he or she reduces the risk of
developing serious foot conditions.
Treatment and Prevention
The most successful way to prevent diabetic neuropathy from
occurring is to control the diabetes. It is important to
maintain blood sugars at normal levels and maintain normal
blood pressure. In addition to this, it is important to:
- Stop Smoking
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Have regular physical exams
- Have regular blood and urine tests
- Exercise regularly, according to your doctor’s
recommendation.
It is important for diabetics to treat their feet properly
to avoid any future problems. Footwear and foot orthotics play
an important role in diabetic footcare. Footwear that fits
poorly can cause irritation and injury. Orthotics designed
with Plastazote®, the #1 material for protecting the
insensitive diabetic foot, are also frequently recommended.
Plastazote is a material designed to accommodate pressure
“hot spots” by conforming to heat and pressure. By
customizing to the foot, Plastazote provides the comfort and
protection needed in diabetic footcare. Footwear constructed
with Plastazote is often recommended for the diabetic patient.
- Diabetic footwear should also provide the following
benefits:
- High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
- Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option
to insert orthotics if necessary
- Rocker soles, designed to reduce pressure in the areas
of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the
heel and the ball-of-the-foot.
- Firm Heel Counters for extra and support and stability.
It is important for diabetics with neuropathy to take the
necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet
healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot
problem, immediately consult with your foot doctor.
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