Comfort Shoe Specialists

11693 Manchester Rd

St. Louis, MO 63131

314-822-3300

Neuropathy in Feet

Do you have numbness, tingling in your feet?  You are probably suffering from neuropathy.  Other phrases or terms describing this are, neuropathy of the foot, numb foot, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, idiopathic neuropathy, insensitivity, the naturopathic foot, naturopathic feet, or extremity neuropathy.

Neuropathy is most common with people with diabetes, however you can have neuropathy without having diabetes.

Neuropathy describes the pathological changes of the peripheral nerves especially to the lower extremities.  This leaves the feet insensitive to pain.  Without this warning signal, the feet are in danger of cuts, blisters, or thickened calluses that can lead to ulcers.  Due to the lack of feeling, the feet can have ulcers of which you may not be aware.  This is where the danger of infection and amputations lies.

15% of all people with neuropathic feet will develop foot ulcers that often become infected.  Complications from infections may lead to amputations.

80% of all amputations can be prevented with foot care and properly fitted shoes and inserts.  

This is an example of a foot before and after getting new shoes and properly fitted with orthotic devices.  The ulcer eventually disappeared completely.  This example was a person who had this open sore on the foot for 3 years before getting the right shoes and orthotic devices.

*Medicare will repay a portion of the cost of shoes and orthotics if you have diabetes and neuropathy.

Who to see for help:

Primary physician

Endocrinologist

Orthopedist

Neurologist

Podiatrist

Diabetic educator

Certified pedorthist

Neuropathy support groups

A simple daily routine will lessen the possibility of foot ulcers and amputations.

Daily foot care is quick and easy:

 ·        Wash and dry your feet thoroughly including between your toes every day.

 ·        Inspect your feet every morning and evening.  If you have trouble seeing the bottom of your feet, put a mirror on the floor near your bed, or have someone else check your feet.  Look for cuts, blisters, or redness. 

 ·        Calluses are a warning sign that an excessive amount of pressure is being put upon that area of your foot.  The majority of ulcers begin as a callus.  The most common sites are the hallux (great toe), or metatarsal heads (ball of the foot).  Consult with a pedorthist to find ways to reduce this pressure.

 ·        If there are any openings or blood under the skin surface, see your physician immediately.

 ·        Wear white socks as much as possible and avoid socks with large seams.  Socks with seams can be worn inside out. 

 ·        Wear shoes with lots of room.  Tight shoes can cause pressure that can lead to an ulcer.  Have a certified pedorthist check the fit of your shoes. 

 ·        Look for foreign objects before putting your shoes on.

The do not’s:

·        Do not smoke,  smoking constricts small blood vessels and decreases blood flow.

·        Do not drink alcohol in excess.

·        Do not go barefoot.

·        Do not soak your feet.

·        Do not use adhesive tape directly on skin.

·        Do not wear shoes without socks,  socks are the first barrier for the feet.  Therapeutic socks are available that help protect your feet.

·        Do not wear thongs.

·        Do not sleep with your ankles crossed.

·        Do not cut calluses or corns,  have foot care specialists take care of them.

·        Do not trim your own toe nails,  see a podiatrist or pedicurist.

·        Do not walk barefoot on hot surfaces like sand or concrete around pools.

·        Do not wear slip on shoes.

 The Do’s: Great things for your feet!

 ·        Take a daily walk,  walking increases the blood flow to your feet, which lessens the risk of ulcers and infections.  However, if you have an ulcer, stay off your feet.

·        Stretch twice a day,  stretching increases the circulation to your feet and feels good too!

·        Touch both of your feet, if one feels “HOT”, see your physician immediately.  This could be a sign of infection or broken bones.

The Surgeon General's Report on physical activity and health underscores the pivotal role physical activity plays in health promotion and disease prevention and encourages people to strive for 10,000 steps per day.  One great way to track this activity is a Pedometer.  Comfort Shoe Specialists is selling pedometers on line for the special price of $21.  A pedometer clips on your belt and counts your steps.  This price includes a web site that helps you track your steps across America.

    To buy a pedometer call Comfort Shoe Specialists at 314-822-3300 or toll free 1-877-488-7463.

Introducing Micro Vas Wellness Center

(Located downstairs from Comfort Shoe Specialist)

A Comprehensive List of the Various Conditions Micro Vas Can treat:

• Neurologic Conditions - Peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, paresthesia of the feet, Foot neuroma metatarsals, tarsal tunnel syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy involving a leg, post amputation phantom limb pain, restless leg syndrome.

• Orthopedic Conditions - Feet - marching fracture of diabetic fracture of metatarsals.

• Connective Tissue Conditions - Ankle lateral sprain first or second degree, pulled hamstring, plantar fasciitis.

• Vascular Conditions - Ischemic rest pain in leg (foot, calf or thigh) due to diffuse small artery disease, mild to moderate lymphedema.

• Disuse Atrophy - Multiple sclerosis induced leg weakness, post polio syndrome induced leg weakness.

• Chronic Pain Syndromes - Fibromyalgia, Degenerative arthritis, osteoporosis.

• Urinary Stress Incontinence

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