DIABETES MELLITUS
DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
TYPE 1 DIABETES
LONGER THE BELT , LESSER THE LIFE SPAN!
23 June, 2010
21 June, 2010
Common foot problems - Fungal Infection!
Toenail fungus, known as Onychomycosis, Fungal infections occur when microscopic fungi gain entry through a small trauma in the nail, then grow and spread in the warm, moist environment inside the patient's socks and shoes.
Symptoms of toenail fungus, which can be caused by several types of fungi, include swelling, yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail, streaks or spots down the side of the nail, and even complete loss of the nail. Toenail color can vary from brown or yellow to white with this condition.
Fungal infections can affect the fingernails as well as the toenails, but toenail fungus is more difficult to treat because toenails grow more slowly. It occurs most often on the big or small toe, but might occur on any toe.
Cause
Toenail fungus can be picked up in damp areas. Athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery that cause trauma to the toes or keep the feet from drying out are at higher risk. The condition can also spread from one toe to another, or to other parts of the body.
Other risk factors include abnormal PH level of the skin, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and a compromised immune system in someone who has been exposed to a fungus. Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungus because their immune system is compromised. They should have their nails cut and debrided by a podiatrist.
Treatment and Prevention
Because it is difficult to treat or eradicate toenail fungus, it is a good idea to try to prevent it.
Wash your feet regularly, and dry them thoroughly when they get wet. Wearing nail polish on the toes is not advised because it can seal in fungus and allow it to grow. Keep toenails trimmed, and be sure to disinfect any pedicure tools before using them.
If you do develop toenail fungus, see your foot doctor. The doctor might remove as much of the nail as possible by trimming, filing or dissolving it. Medicated nail polish might be prescribed for a localized infection, but a serious infection will likely be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication. These medications can have side effects, so be sure to work closely with your doctor on your treatment plan. Only in severe cases will surgical removal of the nail be recommended.
Common foot problems - Heel Pain!!
Heel pain is a common condition in which weight bearing on the heel causes extreme discomfort.
Cause
There are two different categories of heel pain. The first is caused by repetitive stress which refers to a soreness resulting from too much impact on a specific area of the foot. This condition, often referred to as "heel pain syndrome," can be caused by shoes with heels that are too low, a thinned out fat pad in the heel area, or from a sudden increase in activity.
Plantar fasciitis, a very common diagnosis of heel pain, is usually caused from a biomechancial problem, such as flat feet. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel through the midfoot and into the forefoot. Flat feet can cause the plantar fascia to be excessively stretched and inflamed, resulting in pain in the heel and arch areas of the foot. Often the pain will be most intense first thing in the morning or after a prolonged period of rest. The pain will gradually subside as the day progresses.
Treatment and Prevention
To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate the heel to transfer pressure. This can be accomplished with a heel cup, visco heel cradle, or an orthotic designed with materials that will absorb shock and shear forces.
When the condition is pronation related (usually plantar fasciitis), an orthotic with medial posting and good arch support will control the pronation and prevent the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Footwear selection is also an important criteria when treating heel pain. Shoes with a firm heel counter, good arch support, and appropriate heel height are the ideal choice..
Cause
There are two different categories of heel pain. The first is caused by repetitive stress which refers to a soreness resulting from too much impact on a specific area of the foot. This condition, often referred to as "heel pain syndrome," can be caused by shoes with heels that are too low, a thinned out fat pad in the heel area, or from a sudden increase in activity.
Plantar fasciitis, a very common diagnosis of heel pain, is usually caused from a biomechancial problem, such as flat feet. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel through the midfoot and into the forefoot. Flat feet can cause the plantar fascia to be excessively stretched and inflamed, resulting in pain in the heel and arch areas of the foot. Often the pain will be most intense first thing in the morning or after a prolonged period of rest. The pain will gradually subside as the day progresses.
Treatment and Prevention
To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate the heel to transfer pressure. This can be accomplished with a heel cup, visco heel cradle, or an orthotic designed with materials that will absorb shock and shear forces.
When the condition is pronation related (usually plantar fasciitis), an orthotic with medial posting and good arch support will control the pronation and prevent the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Footwear selection is also an important criteria when treating heel pain. Shoes with a firm heel counter, good arch support, and appropriate heel height are the ideal choice..
Common foot problems - CORNS
Definition
Corns like calluses develop from an accumulation of dead skin cells on the foot, forming thick, hardened areas. They contain a cone-shaped core with a point that can press on a nerve below, causing pain. Corns can become inflamed due to constant friction and pressure from footwear. Corns that form between the toes are sometimes referred to as soft corns.
Cause
Some of the common causes of corn development are
Tight fitting footwear
High heeled footwear
Tight fitting stockings and socks
Deformed toes
Due to foot sliding forward in a shoe that fits too loosely.
Complications that can arise from corns include bursitis and the development of an ulcer.
Treatment and Prevention
There are very simple ways to prevent and treat the corns.
You should wear properly fitted footwear with extra room in the toe box (toe area).
Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Use an insole that will absorb shock and shear forces.
Also avoid tight socks and stockings to provide a healthier environment for the foot.
Do not use corn removing solutions and medicated pads. These solutions can sometimes increase irritation and discomfort. Diabetics and all other individuals with poor circulation should never use any chemical agents to remove corns.
If the problem persists, consult a Podiatric surgeon
Pedicure in diabetics!
Soak your feet into your little foot basin containing warm, soapy water or a disinfectant for sore feet.
After 15 minutes, gently brush nails with a nail brush.
Use a pumice stone to rub off dead skin and smoothen heels. A gentle to and from movement helps to scrub off dead cells.
Blot dry excess water from feet and between your toes.
Trim your nails using scissors or nail clipper. Cut it straight across.
Use an emery board or nail file to file nails. Avoid filing the sides of nails as it will lead to ingrown toe nails.
Use a little cuticle cream to ease back cuticles steadily and very gently. Do not cut cuticles as toe nails require them for protection. Just loosen cuticle and push back gently.
A damp cotton wool covered orange stick helps to clean undernails.
Massage in a rich cream or moisturizing lotion.
Give your feet a relaxing massage using long sweeping movements.
After 15 minutes, gently brush nails with a nail brush.
Use a pumice stone to rub off dead skin and smoothen heels. A gentle to and from movement helps to scrub off dead cells.
Blot dry excess water from feet and between your toes.
Trim your nails using scissors or nail clipper. Cut it straight across.
Use an emery board or nail file to file nails. Avoid filing the sides of nails as it will lead to ingrown toe nails.
Use a little cuticle cream to ease back cuticles steadily and very gently. Do not cut cuticles as toe nails require them for protection. Just loosen cuticle and push back gently.
A damp cotton wool covered orange stick helps to clean undernails.
Massage in a rich cream or moisturizing lotion.
Give your feet a relaxing massage using long sweeping movements.
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