Summer’s Coming…Are Your Feet Ready?
As the summer approaches, we all have different concerns. For some, it’s losing weight. Others are tanning in preparation for the beach (which I never understood, but apparently lots of people do it!). People with diabetes also must prepare…to protect their feet!
We are creatures of habit. Ever since we were kids, the summer meant a time to kick off our shoes, run barefoot outside and at the beach. In my Houston podiatry practice, it’s clear that even my adult patients still like to do the same. Diabetes, however, complicates this love and deep desire to be barefoot.
One of the most well-known effects of diabetes is the formation of peripheral neuropathy, a syndrome affecting the nerves that will cause a progressive numbness or burning pain in the feet. There are those with diabetes who don’t have any sensation at all because of peripheral neuropathy. These folks can step on a foreign body and not have any idea. They may notice bleeding on the carpet or in their shoe and find out that way. For others it can be days or more before they discover the problem.
The best way for someone with diabetes to protect the feet from all foreign objects is to protect them with a shoe. Walking outside to pick up the paper, you run the risk of stepping on a twig or sharp rock and not feeling it. Going to the beach? Beware of the hot sand. You won’t be able to feel the temperature and can get a serious burn. Any of these injuries can easily become infected and put the foot and the entire limb at risk. Wearing a shoe with a sturdy sole can be all you need to protect yourself from such a problem.
You can find more information about diabetes and your feet on my website.
About Dr. Andrew Schneider
Dr. Andrew Schneider is the Medical Director of Tanglewood Foot Specialists in Houston, TX. Dr. Schneider focuses on state-of-the-art therapy to offer relief from foot ailments in the shortest time possible. He treats athletes in all sports, working with them to minimize or eliminate time away from activity. Physicians throughout the city rely on his knowledge and skill in the area of biomechanics and orthotics and regularly send their own patients to him.
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