Diabetes/Diabetic Foot
Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body does not properly produce insulin which leads to increasingly high levels of blood sugar. High glucose (sugar) levels in the blood stream can impact multiple systems in the body including the nervous and vascular (blood delivery) systems. Complications from Diabetes can arise in the feet and can be quite serious. Peripheral Neuropathy is quite common in Diabetics and combined with poor blood supply to the feet can cause Diabetic wounds/ulcers on the feet which can be very difficult to heal. These diabetic wounds often are a result of high pressure areas and/or poor footwear causing high friction areas. If left untreated these ulcers can become necrotic and lead to amputation.
Common symptoms of a Diabetic Foot include:
- Poor blood flow to the feet (limited capillary refill)
- Discolouration of the feet (purple or reddish purple)
- Loss of sensation or hypersensation in the feet
- Tingling in toes
- Feels like you're wearing a tight glove or socks
- Sharp, pins and needles pain.
- Numbness in the feet (typically the toes)
- Pain in legs often worse at night
- Poor balance and coordination
If these conditions sound familiar, book your appointment today and let us help you get back on your feet pain free!
Custom Orthotics Designed for Diabetes/ Diabetic Foot:
- Shock absorbent heel/forefoot cushioning - aids in dissipating pressure throughout the foot and prevents friction.
- Customized arch support - will help to absorb more shock, and spread out the weight distribution of the foot preventing high pressure areas
- Neutral casting - to align your feet and lower limbs in order to place them in the most optimal position for gait.
- Deep heel cup - will lock the heel in place, allow your foot to maintain neutral position and place adipose 'soft' tissue under the heel bone to reduce the effect of impact forces.
- Poron/P-cell Top Cover - materials that provide a memory foam-like padding that wicks away sweat and has anti-bacteria properties, allowing for effective transfer of air and perspiration, resulting in a cool, dry environment.
- EVA shell - in order to prevent ulcer development, promote comfort and maintain structural support.
- Accommodations - well-outs under boney prominences to reduce pressure and friction
Footwear Features for Diabetic Foot:
- Proper shoe fit is crucial to lessen rubbing or friction if shoe is too small or sloppy (too big)
- Cushioned Soling
- Reinforced Forefoot Rocker
- Wide, rounded toe box with extra depth to prevent rubbing or friction on the toes
- Cushioned insole or removable sockliner to accommodate Custom Made Orthotics