Do the symptoms above describe how your feet feel from time to time? Are you a diabetic? Odds are, you could have what is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. What exactly is that, and how did you get it?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that most commonly produces symptoms such as burning, numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of muscle function and reflexes in extremities. The areas most commonly affected are the feet and hands. The symptoms can eventually spread "proximally," towards the legs and arms. Causes of peripheral neuropathy besides diabetes include: renal or liver failure, hypothyroidism, excess vitamin B6, deficiency of vitamin B12 or vitamin A, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosis, leprosy, and shingles, to name a few.
More specifically, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also called distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy, is unfortunately something that as many as sixty to seventy percent of the diabetic population end up experiencing. People with a history of diabetes for over 25 years, or those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels tend to experience the most severe neuropathy symptoms. Once the neuropathy symptoms develop it is very imperative to see your podiatrist on a regular basis for routine and episodic diabetic foot care and risk management.
Your podiatrist will check your feet at a minimum yearly, to assess the skin, muscles, bones, circulation, and sensation of your feet. They will assess the protective sensation in your feet by using an instrument called a Semms-Weinstein 5.07 monafilament wire to determine the extent of your condition. They may also use a tuning fork to assess vibratory sensation.
There are several treatment options for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. First and foremost is to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range, as set by your endocrinologist and podiatrist. Other options include medications both by mouth and topically that is rubbed into the skin. Physical therapy can also help decrease the pain.
It is very important to assess your feet for any type of peripheral neuropathy, especially if you're a diabetic! , The chances of foot injury or infection increases tremendously once sensation to your feet is lost. Oftentimes diabetics cannot even feel something as small as a rock rubbing in their shoes. This can lead to an ulcer (an open wound that does not heal), and possibly progress even to an amputation. The literature indicates that of the 86,000 amputations per year, more than half are in diabetics. This number can drastically be reduced if proper foot care is instituted. Diabetics need to check their feet daily for any rashes, cuts, blisters, scabs, growths, swellings, redness/discolored areas, infections, calluses and for any other suspicious looking areas. Applying the proper lotion to the feet, wearing properly fitting shoes (Medicare does cover diabetic shoes and inserts for qualifying diabetics which look like regular shoes) are also crucial to good foot health. Take good care of your feet, and they will take good care of you for many years to come!
Do the symptoms above describe how your feet feel from time to time? Are you a diabetic? Odds are, you could have what is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. What exactly is that, and how did you get it?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that most commonly produces symptoms such as burning, numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of muscle function and reflexes in extremities. The areas most commonly affected are the feet and hands. The symptoms can eventually spread "proximally," towards the legs and arms. Causes of peripheral neuropathy besides diabetes include: renal or liver failure, hypothyroidism, excess vitamin B6, deficiency of vitamin B12 or vitamin A, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosis, leprosy, and shingles, to name a few.
More specifically, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also called distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy, is unfortunately something that as many as sixty to seventy percent of the diabetic population end up experiencing. People with a history of diabetes for over 25 years, or those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels tend to experience the most severe neuropathy symptoms. Once the neuropathy symptoms develop it is very imperative to see your podiatrist on a regular basis for routine and episodic diabetic foot care and risk management.
Your podiatrist will check your feet at a minimum yearly, to assess the skin, muscles, bones, circulation, and sensation of your feet. They will assess the protective sensation in your feet by using an instrument called a Semms-Weinstein 5.07 monafilament wire to determine the extent of your condition. They may also use a tuning fork to assess vibratory sensation.
There are several treatment options for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. First and foremost is to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range, as set by your endocrinologist and podiatrist. Other options include medications both by mouth and topically that is rubbed into the skin. Physical therapy can also help decrease the pain.
It is very important to assess your feet for any type of peripheral neuropathy, especially if you're a diabetic! , The chances of foot injury or infection increases tremendously once sensation to your feet is lost. Oftentimes diabetics cannot even feel something as small as a rock rubbing in their shoes. This can lead to an ulcer (an open wound that does not heal), and possibly progress even to an amputation. The literature indicates that of the 86,000 amputations per year, more than half are in diabetics. This number can drastically be reduced if proper foot care is instituted. Diabetics need to check their feet daily for any rashes, cuts, blisters, scabs, growths, swellings, redness/discolored areas, infections, calluses and for any other suspicious looking areas. Applying the proper lotion to the feet, wearing properly fitting shoes (Medicare does cover diabetic shoes and inserts for qualifying diabetics which look like regular shoes) are also crucial to good foot health. Take good care of your feet, and they will take good care of you for many years to come!
The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about common conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Any advice given, whether medical or legal, is an opinion. For legal counsel or podiatric care, one should see their local podiatrist or attorney. More information can be found at my website www.michiganfootdoctor.com
No comments:
Post a Comment