Alcoholic Neuropathy

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is much research and controversy around the consumption of alcohol. Some camps provide the justification side with studies that indicate moderation can have heart health benefits. Others highlight the risks of drinking including pancreatitis, blood pressure problems, depression and nerve damage.

If you can say that you have engaged in prolonged use of alcoholic beverages, listen up – nerve damage, also called alcoholic neuropathy, is a serious risk that can significantly impact your quality of life. An ingredient found in alcohol called ethanol is toxic to your nerve tissue. When you go beyond drinking in moderation, the nerves in your feet and hands can become damaged, meaning you can lose sensation in these limbs. The nerve damage is often permanent.

Pain in your legs, feeling a “pins and needles” sensation in your feet, muscle spasms and weakness are symptoms of neuropathy that you need to monitor. It may be a loved one complaining of these that can alarm you of a problem that needs to be addressed before serious complications occur.

If caught early, symptoms can be treated before complications such as disability result. Medications, physical therapy, dietary changes and nerve stimulation are just a few of the treatment options podiatrist Dr. Tina Boucher uses to help patients with this condition. Call Central Connecticut Footcare Center today if you or someone you know needs diagnosis and treatment for symptoms described here. Neuropathy is not something to take lightly – call us at (203) 238-3668 to make an appointment today.

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Take Care of Diabetic Feet with the Right Shoes

If you have diabetes, don’t underestimate the importance of your shoes!

There is much to monitor if you have diabetes and it can get overwhelming at times, even for someone who has lived with the disease for years. A foot problem is one thing that can bring serious danger and consequences and the right shoes can make all the difference.

Dr. Tina Boucher is a foot specialist highly dedicated to caring for her patients with diabetes. A foot problem left untreated can lead to wounds, ulcers and even amputation. We can’t stress enough the importance of wearing good shoes if you have diabetes and here is why:

• Neuropathy is common with diabetes and the nerve damage in your feet impacts your ability to feel pain, heat and cold. For this reason, you need to be wearing shoes that support and protect your feet from foreign objects, cold temperatures and hot sand or sidewalks.

• A poorly made pair of shoes may have rough stitching and areas of pressure. This can lead to the formation of blisters and even a small blister has the potential to turn into a serious wound.

• Any pain or inflammation present can be made worse by wearing ill-fitting shoes.

• Any current deformity such as Charcot foot, hammertoes or small amputation needs to be stabilized and protected to avoid further damage.

• Custom orthotics are often beneficial to those with diabetes to provide extra support and stabilization. A good pair of shoes will need extra room to accommodate them.

If you have been trying to follow these general rules but continue to have foot pain or if a bad pair of shoes has left you with an injury, please contact us for treatment. Make an appointment today at Central Connecticut Footcare Center by calling (203) 238-3668. Allow Dr. Boucher to take care of your feet so you can concentrate on the other things that matter in life.

Healing Charcot Foot - The Need for Speed!

Of all the foot conditions that can affect your ability to lead a normal and active life, Charcot foot is probably one of the most difficult to deal with. This condition begins with peripheral neuropathy, which is loss of feeling in the feet. Your inability to feel pain allows this condition to worsen because without the pain sensation, you may not recognize that a problem exists. Continued weight bearing causes bones to begin to break and splinter, then heal improperly and causing deformity. It is possible for you to break bones and damage joints and not even be aware of it. Early diagnosis and treatment is the only way that the damaging effects of Charcot foot can be set right.

Never underestimate the importance of rest. Stopping weight bearing activity is crucial to successful treatment and in addition to total rest for the foot while it heals, your doctor may recommend a special device such as a cast, wheel chair, crutches, walker or brace. Listen to your doctor. The fact that you do not process pain is a major concern. You may feel fine and think you are well, but if the healing process is not complete, you will cause more damage.

Warning…
If you continue walking on your foot, the deformity may cause ulcers to develop. Infection or amputation is possible.

Dr. Boucher will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Call (203) 238-3668 for an appointment. If you seek early intervention, treatment methods may consist of elevation, icing, casts or braces. A delay may cause severe complications and result in the need for surgery or amputation. Stay on the winning side of foot health by learning to examine your feet daily, carefully looking for signs of warmth, swelling and redness. Hustle in to see your doctor if you notice something amiss.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3765/CharcotFoot.html
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
http://www.footandankledoctors.com/patient-library/articles-a-f/charcot-foot

Diabetic Foot Care - First Line of Defense!

US Navy - Dr. Dawn Bell explains the importance of proper foot care to a group of diabetic children (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you know that as a patient, being the only one attached to your feet, you play a vital role in your own foot care? As Fall is here, there are a few additional concerns that you need to be aware of. As the seasons change, you need focus on the needs of your feet and become aware of what could potentially become a big problem.

Some patients with diabetes have two strikes against them right off the get go - nerve damage a.k.a. Neuropathy and poor circulation. Neuropathy takes away your ability to feel and may therefore make detecting injury more difficult. If circulation is reduced, your body’s ability to heal is reduced. Both of these situations combine to pose a big risk to your health.

So what is your role?
As champion umpire of your own feet, you need to know what’s going on at all times. You represent the first line of defense. The best way to accomplish this is to conduct daily foot exams. However, if this is too difficult for you, get someone to help or use a mirror. Look for:

• Blisters
• Calluses
• Corns
• Nail problems
• Pressure points
• Puncture wounds
• Cracked skin

Any of the above mentioned concerns, if gone unaddressed or untreated, can result in serious complications and could possibly lead to loss of foot or life.

With the approaching cooler weather, you should be more mindful of keeping your feet appropriately warm and dry. Warmth is good, but you should avoid direct heat sources such as stoves or radiators. You could accidentally burn your feet and not realize it.

Make sure you check your shoes before you put them on for objects or irritants that could cause injury. Make sure your shoes provide protection from the elements such as cold and rain, and wear socks that are synthetic to wick perspiration and keep feet as dry as possible.

As the colder weather approaches, skin tends to dry out. After bathing, apply an emollient rich lotion to your feet, but avoid between the toes.

Dr. Boucher can help you in so many ways. She has access to the latest technology for healing the most stubborn wounds, and is a genius at preventing small problems from becoming catastrophes. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 to schedule your regular foot check-ups and to report injuries. She will work with you and other health care providers to ensure your foot health and safety. Using proper foot care and treatment is the best kind of preventive medicine and will help ensure that your feet will last a lifetime.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
http://www.diabetic-articles.com/Foot-Care-for-the-Diabetic/

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