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.

Feet on Fire

Are you being bothered by painful, burning feet?

Whether it is mild or severe, dealing with hot, painful feet can be frustrating. Burning feet can interrupt your daily activities, the ability to participate in sports or exercise, make wearing certain shoes difficult and hinder a good night of sleep.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT sees this condition regularly at her podiatric office. Patients often come in complaining of a burning sensation, numbness or a pins and needles feeling in their feet. If you have burning feet, it is really important to come in and have it checked out due to the fact that there are several reasons for why it is happening. It could be as simple as your feet are just tired but there may be an underlying cause that is serious and needs prompt intervention.

Some of the common causes for burning feet include:

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet)

• Athlete’s foot

• Alcoholism

• Hypothyroidism

• Vitamin deficiency anemia

• Chronic kidney failure

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

• HIV/AIDS

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

If you are dealing with burning feet today, you can try and elevate your feet or bathe your feet in cool water to see if symptoms are alleviated. Changing to a more comfortable pair of shoes may also help. If the burning came on suddenly, it developed and has continued despite home care measures or is becoming more intense and painful, it is time to seek help.

Contact Dr. Boucher for a full evaluation. She can pinpoint the cause of your burning feet and find a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit www.centralctfootcare.com.

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/

Related articles

• Diabetic Neuropathy - Danger Lurks Behind Every Sensation You Are Not Feeling
• Daily Foot Care Tips
• By Golly Laddie, the Feet Pain Me So!

Contact Dermatitis - Calls for Rash Measures

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you ever experienced a breakout on your feet with inflammation and itching, and not understood what was happening? It was probably contact dermatitis. It’s not serious or life threatening, but it is annoying and may drive you crazy.

Symptoms of this condition may include:

• Red rash or bumps
• Itching
• Dry cracked red patches
• Blisters
• Pain and tenderness

Causes of contact dermatitis are varied and may include soaps, chemicals and poisonous plants as well as other substances your skin may be exposed to. Two types of dermatitis are recognized - irritant contact and allergic contact. Irritant contact occurs when a substance damages the outermost layer of skin. In some instances a single exposure can result in an aggravating outbreak. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance that sensitizes it. Exposure to an allergen may cause an outbreak of red rash, bumps and sometimes blisters. Common offenders are natural rubber, metals such as those found in costume jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes and poison ivy. You may not develop an immediate allergic reaction to the offending substance, but it may build up until you suffer an immune reaction. It may take years, but once you have an allergic reaction, you will always have that allergy.

Although the two categories of dermatitis provide a guideline, there are substances that may cross the line and become both. Some of the known offenders include:  

• Antibiotics or other medicinal compounds found in ointments that you may apply to your skin
• Fragrances found in lotions
• Nickel
• Shoes and socks
• Natural rubber
• Adhesive tapes

Bacterial and fungal skin infections may appear as a complication because of constant scratching. Moist and draining blisters provide a haven for bacteria and fungus. People with diabetes need to be especially aware of the potential risks of contact dermatitis. If you have diabetes and experience an outbreak should contact Dr. Boucher immediately.

If you are able to identify the substance which has caused your reaction, and remove contact, symptoms may resolve within a couple of weeks. Cold compresses and over-the-counter anti-itch medication may help, as well as, foot soaks in mild solutions of salt water, vinegar or betadine. However if you have attempted home treatment and your condition has not improved, contact Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 and let the healing begin.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/1754/Allergies.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/contact-dermatitis/DS00985/DSECTION=symptoms

Related articles

• Understanding Dyshidrotic Eczema
• Skin Rash
• Scalp Dermatitis Treatment

Diabetes - Different Diagnosis, Same Problems

Syringe 5 with drops. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Type I diabetes is a chronic condition where a necessary hormone (insulin) is not produced, or is not produced in adequate amounts, to allow the body to convert sugars to energy at the cellular level.  As a result, a person with Type I diabetes needs to take insulin to prevent sugar from building up in the bloodstream.  There is no known cure for Type I Diabetes although it can be managed. Complications from this disease develop over the years, so the closer the blood sugar can be kept to normal, the fewer complications may develop.

Type II Diabetes is more common than type I. This is when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce sufficient quantities so that once again, the body lacks the required insulin to carry sugar to the cells for conversion to energy. Family history and lifestyle play a large role in the development of Type II Diabetes.

The third type of Diabetes is Type 1.5. It is sometimes referred to as slow onset Type I or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). If this type of diabetes is well managed, the organ damage that is so common in type II diabetes may be avoided.

In any form of diabetes, the key is to monitor and manage blood glucose levels to prevent the problems that can occur to skin, heart, kidneys and feet. There are several important components to managing any type of diabetes. They include:

    •    Diet

    •    Exercise

    •    Oral medications

    •    Insulin injections

    •    Regular health checkups

    •    Good preventive care

A diabetic patient’s feet are more susceptible to wounds and infections. Preventive care is especially important to you. If you have diabetes, but you aren’t seeing a podiatrist regularly, then you are not getting the best care. Dr. Boucher and her staff are available to help you battle the effects of diabetes on your feet. They have a preventive treatment program and up to date technology to help with diabetic Neuropathy. Call for an appointment at (203) 238-3668. Delaying could lead to serious complications.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585
http://www.diabetesnet.com/about-diabetes/types-diabetes/type-15

Related articles

• Type I and Type II Diabetes - What It Means To Your Feet (eastpennfoot.wordpress.com)
• Dancing Teen: Interview with Jill and Alyssa. (sixuntilme.com)
• Type 2 diabetes harder to treat in youngsters: study (todayonline.com)

Knock your Socks Off!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Central Connecticut Foot Care Center is dedicated to helping educate our patients and the community about this epidemic.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 12% of the Hispanic population has diabetes and 66% are at risk of developing the disease when compared to other ethnic groups. When it comes to your feet, diabetes is a very dangerous disease and should not be ignored. Even if you have your diabetes under control, you should see a podiatrist for routine diabetic foot care. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations and with proper care, most amputations can be avoided.
Think you know a lot about diabetes? Take this quiz created by the American Podiatric Medical Association to test your knowledge!
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Caring for Diabetic Feet

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9% of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heel. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts, and nails problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

New Powder to Help Heal Wounds

From http://www.apma.org/:

Foot complications, such as open wounds and ulcers, can be one of the most difficult ailments for a podiatrist to treat. However, a new wound dressing powder, which acts very much like a layer of skin, is proving to speed the healing time and reduce the amount of pain that a patient suffering from a serious foot ulcer would normally experience. This includes open sores on the feet as a result of inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or skin cancer. The study results will be released at the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) 97th Annual Scientific Meeting in Toronto, July 30 - August 2, 2009, and will highlight the powder’s unique ability to rapidly heal foot wounds and advance the treatment patients currently receive.
This wound powder is especially promising for the nearly 24 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the United States. In a recent APMA survey, 18 percent of people with diabetes reported that they have experienced a foot sore that would not heal. This powder’s successful treatment of difficult foot wounds could potentially lead to a reduction in amputation rates.
This new powder aggregates, or comes together, in an amazing flexible film that mimics the wound's surface and helps it to retain moisture and protect the wound, but still allows the right amount of air flow needed for the wound to close," said Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, the lead podiatric physician for the study and Associate Professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. The study focused on atypical wounds with irregular shapes and causes. The wounds were treated with the powder dressing once a week, for four to eight weeks. The study ultimately showed that the powder dressing provided a painless, efficient, and protective treatment that assisted in closing the wound. The powder also helped in preparing the wound for further interventions that are sometimes needed, including options like skin grafts or the use of sutures. "My colleagues and I are excited to continue working with this new wound powder product and look forward to its future uses in treating notoriously difficult types of foot wounds we regularly encounter," added Vlahovic.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM

Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

November is Diabetes Month

With Thanksgiving just a week away, it is tempting to think of all the tasty treats that the holiday offers. However, if you are a diabetic, a holiday without pies, cookies, and cakes is not nearly as fun. As well as hosting one of America's most popular holidays, November also marks National Diabetes Month.
People with diabetes also need to check their feet on a daily basis. Small problems, if left untreated, can turn into big problems that require major medical interventions. To prevent this, it’s a good idea for diabetics to get regular check—ups at our office.
If you have diabetes and feel leg pain at night, or after exercising or walking, that could indicate a blocked artery. Get medical attention right away.
To protect your feet, wear socks that aren’t tight or constricting. Always wear shoes or slippers, and shake them out before you put them on. People with diabetes may have nerve damage and may not be able to feel sharp objects, which could cut them. Because diabetes causes poor circulation, it reduces the body’s ability to heal from even a tiny cut.
You can also support a family member who has diabetes by encouraging them to do the following check, or offering to help them:
· Inspect diabetic feet daily for cuts, redness, and drainage. Watch to see if toe nails have become deformed, discolored, or are not growing.
· Look for toes which appear pink, red, or purplish, which may be a sign of poor circulation.
· Notice any corns or calluses caused by shoe friction, but don’t trim these due to the risk of injury or infection. Make an appointment with our office instead.
Call our office if you notice any signs of trouble, and, if you have diabetes, remember to keep a healthy eating plan in mind when you smell that pumpkin pie.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist
http://www.centralctfootcare.com