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.

Following Up on Flatfeet

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feet are just one of those things that we often don’t pay any attention to. Until they hurt that is. Is that true with you? They take us everywhere we want to go, help us do every activity we are involved in, but are often neglected and taken for granted! When pain arises, it can literally stop us in our tracks and make us realize the importance of taking care of our feet.

A common foot problem that some people face is flatfeet. They are usually associated with pronation, which is when there is a leaning inward of the anklebones. Many have no pain or problems with their flatfeet. Flatfeet are also normal for infants and young children, as arches are not yet developed.

When pain is present

Painful flatfeet are also known as adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). The pain arises due to weakening or wear and tear on the posterior tibial tendon which helps support your arch. This tendon can become inflamed, stretched and even torn. Painful flatfeet can arise after an injury in some cases as well.

Interested to know if AAFD might be in your future? Aside from aging, the presence of obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, traumatic injury and high impact sports can all contribute to having AAFD. If you experience the symptoms of pain in your heel or arch and swelling on the inside of your ankle, it is time to get help. Toughing it out might feed your pride but it may also leave you with chronic pain and disability. No one wants that!

Good news!

There is help if you suffer with painful flatfeet. Dr. Tina Boucher at Central Connecticut Footcare Center can create a treatment tailored specifically for your flatfeet. There are many conservative options to treat your pain such as anti-inflammatory medicines, icing, taping, bracing and physical therapy. Custom orthotics may be very effective in alleviate your symptoms as well. Don’t suffer with pain from flatfeet any longer than you need to. Call Dr. Boucher (203) 238-3668 or visit our website at www.centralctfootcare.com and find relief.

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Morton’s neuroma, you’ll be painfully aware of it.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Morton’s neuroma is a condition affecting the ball of your foot between the third and fourth toes. It can be intensely painful or sting, burn and sometimes feel numb. Many people who suffer this painful condition describe the sensation as having a foreign object in their shoe. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around the nerve leading to the toes and usually develops because of injury, irritation or simply because of the pressure from long hours on your feet. Although you can’t really see it the pain is sure to make you aware of it and symptoms usually get progressively worse unless steps are taken to reduce stress on the foot. Diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma is done by physical examination. Dr. Boucher will feel and press on the area causing the pain and question you about your symptoms. An ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis because it offers a clear picture of soft tissue damage.

There are a number of treatment options that range from lifestyle changes and things you can try at home to surgery. Dr. Boucher will most likely reserve surgical options as a last resort. Although surgery has a high success rate, the possibility of permanent nerve damage exists. Recommendations for at home treatment to help relieve pain and allow nerve to heal include:

• Change of footwear
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Modification of activities that place stress on your feet
• Ice packs

Medical treatment of Morton’s neuroma will depend on the severity of your case. Dr. Boucher may suggest foot pads or orthotics to redistribute the pressure on your foot. Orthotics are available over the counter, or Dr. Boucher may custom design them for you. Other options include:

• Steroid injections
• Temporarily freezing the nerve
• Decompression surgery
• Surgical removal of the nerve

Morton’s neuroma is a commonly seen condition and Dr. Boucher’s experience at healing will help relieve your pain and speed you to recovery. No foot condition that causes pain should be ignored. If you haven’t gotten relief from pain by changing your footwear to a roomier toe design and giving yourself a break from rigorous activities that may be contributing to the pain, you should make an appointment with Dr. Boucher by calling (203) 238-3668.

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.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468
http://www.medicinenet.com/mortons_neuroma/article.htm

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Orthotics: What Are They?

Orthotics are custom molded devices which are designed specifically for your feet and then placed in your shoes. They are intended to correct abnormal foot biomechanics. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. Doctors of podiatric medicine prescribe orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery; their use is a highly successful, practical form of treatment.
Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. They fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection. Orthotics can be categorized as rigid, semi-rigid, and soft.

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, may be made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. It is generally fabricated from a plaster mold of the individual foot. The finished device normally extends along the sole from the heel to the ball of toes of the foot. It is worn mostly in closed shoes with a heel height under two inches.

The semi-rigid orthotic provides for dynamic balance of the foot while walking or participating in sports. Each sport has its own demands and each sport orthotic needs to constructed appropriately with the specific sport and athlete in mind. This functional dynamic orthotic helps guide the foot through proper functions, allowing the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. The classic semi-rigid orthotic is constructed of layers of soft materla, reinforced with more rigid materials.

The soft orthotic device helps to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. It is usually constructed of soft, compressible materials, and may be molded by the action of the foot in walking or fashioned over a plaster impression of the foot. This orthotic usually extends from the heel past the ball of the foot to include the toes. The advantage of any soft orthotic device is that it may be easily adjusted to changing weight-bearing forces. The disadvantage is that it must be periodically replaced or refurbished.

Various other orthotics may be used for multidirectional sports or edge-control sports by casting the foot within the ski boot, ice skate boot, or inline skate boot. Combinations of semi-flexible material and soft material to accomodate painful areas are utilized for specific problems.

Only a licensed health care professional can diagnose and prescribe medical treatments, including orthotics. There are some outstanding over-the-counter products which your podiatrist may recommend as an interim treatment, but remember that you will want the advice of your doctor before buying these devices from a retail store, since wearing the wrong type of insert can be detrimental to feet, especially for people with diabetes or arthritis.
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.

Orthotics: What You Need to Know

Orthotics are shoes inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patient following surgery. Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thigh, and lower back. Soft orthotics ususally absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots and are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot and intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete. Call 203-238-3668 to see if you need orthotics.

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!