Damage to the nerves supplying the legs and feet. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, cramps.
If Diabetic, your feet need extra special care as you may not realise, they are injured.
Well Being
Neuropathy and diabetes are medical conditions that may lead to foot pain. At Simply Feet, we offer a range of products designed to alleviate discomfort and enhance your overall well-being. Our goal is to make a positive impact on your life, beginning with the well-being of your feet.
What Causes Foot Pain with Diabetes?
Diabetes feet can cause pain in individuals, this can be attributed to several factors. One cause is peripheral neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar levels lead to nerve damage, resulting in pain, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet.
Poor circulation is another common contributor, with diabetes affecting blood flow to the extremities and causing pain, cramping, and delayed wound healing. Diabetes elevates the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), contributing to reduced blood flow and associated pain during physical activities.
Foot Health - Diabetes
Structural foot changes, such as hammertoes or bunions, may arise, causing discomfort. Wearing improper footwear can exacerbate these issues. Individuals with diabetes should prioritise foot care, including appropriate footwear and diabetic insoles.
Foot Health - Neuropathy
Individuals with neuropathy may experience sensations such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet. Loss of sensation makes it challenging to detect injuries, increasing the risk of cuts, blisters, or sores that can develop into serious infections or ulcers.
How to Prevent Pain from Foot Conditions
Choosing proper footwear that provides support and comfort, while avoiding tight or ill-fitting shoes, helps alleviate pressure on the feet.
Regular foot exercises and stretches can improve circulation and flexibility. A combination of vigilant self-care practices, healthy lifestyle choices, and collaboration with healthcare professionals forms a proactive strategy to minimise foot pain and enhance overall foot well-being for individuals with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is walking good for diabetes?
Regular walking helps improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting the uptake of glucose by muscles. It also aids in weight management, reducing the risk of obesity, a common factor in diabetes. When paired with the right shoes and insoles, walking can be a great exercise for those with Diabetes or Neuropathy caused by Diabetes.
What shoes should I avoid with neuropathy?
For individuals with neuropathy, choosing the right footwear is crucial to prevent potential complications. It's advisable to avoid shoes with tight or narrow toe boxes, as these can compress the toes and contribute to the development of corns, calluses, or ulcers. High heels and shoes with inadequate arch support should also be avoided, as they can alter foot alignment and increase pressure on sensitive areas.
Do diabetic slippers exist?
Diabetic slippers are designed to address the unique needs of individuals with diabetes. These slippers are crafted with features to provide comfort, support, and protection for sensitive feet, as well as extra padding to cushion the feet.
For more information on foot well-being and foot pain caused by Diabetes and Neuropathy, please speak to a podiatrist. Alternatively, you can browse our blog for more useful foot health tips.