Diabetes affects over 38 million Americans, and while it’s mostly known for causing high blood sugar, the impact of diabetes extends far beyond your blood. It wreaks havoc on nearly every body system from your eyes to your blood vessels to your kidneys. It even impacts your feet!
In honor of American Diabetes Month, our team of expert podiatrists at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown New York City want to share how diabetes affects your feet and how orthotics can help.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and nerves, including those in your legs and feet. This can lead to poor circulation, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and neuropathy.
Individuals with diabetes are also more prone to foot and nail infections, which can be harder to treat due to compromised immune systems and poor circulation.
Diabetic foot complications like these can lead to ulcers (slow-healing wounds), severe infections, gangrene, and, in severe cases, amputation. In fact, 80% of non-traumatic amputations are related to diabetic complications.
Considering these sobering facts, taking care of your feet (and your blood sugar levels) can literally save your foot.
Now that we’ve reviewed the foot complications related to diabetes, let’s talk about how custom orthotics can help. Orthotics are custom-made podiatric devices designed to give support and additional comfort. Custom orthotics can:
Custom orthotics distribute your weight evenly across your feet and reduce pressure on high-risk areas like the heels, arches, and balls of your feet. Because pressure can lead to blisters and blisters can lead to ulcers, pressure relief is a big win against diabetic complications.
Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a frequent issue that can cause tingling or numbness. Numbness makes it easier to injure your foot without realizing it.
Orthotics provide cushioning and support that protect your feet from accidental injury and help reduce the discomfort associated with neuropathy, such as burning or tingling sensations.
Diabetes can weaken your foot muscles, and, unfortunately, weak foot muscles can lead to balance issues and an increased risk of falls. Because custom orthotics provide better arch support, they can stabilize your feet.
This added stability helps prevent unnecessary strain on your joints and muscles, lowering your risk of falls or uneven wear on your feet that could cause pain.
It’s no secret that diabetes negatively impacts the circulation in your lower limbs, especially your feet. Orthotics, though, can help improve your blood flow. Orthotics:
All of these benefits lead to improved blood flow.
Diabetes can lead to structural changes in your feet, such as bunions, hammertoe, and collapsed arches. These deformities not only cause discomfort but also increase your risk of ulcers and other complications.
Because of neuropathy, you may not feel injuries, including scrapes and fractures. If you don’t feel pain, you might not seek the medical care you need. Without proper care, this can lead to a type of deformity called Charcot's foot.
Custom orthotics support the unique shape of your feet and prevent — or slow the progression of — these deformities.
If you have diabetes and wonder if orthotics can benefit you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Schedule an appointment with our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates today and give your feet the attention they deserve during American Diabetes Month.
