Neuropathy and your 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
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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Welcome to Comfort Shoe Specialists 11693 Manchester Road Saint Louis, MO 63131 314.822.3300 877.488.7463 2 of 3 Americans experience foot pain daily: Our Patients are the Ones Who Don’t! |
| Hours of Operation Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Friday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm |