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Saturday, May 17, 2008

Protect Feet on DM


Protecting your feet

Whether or not you have diabetic neuropathy, there is a list of things to do to protect your feet
  • Be careful to protect your feet from injury. Any minor injury may allow infection to set in, which could lead to gangrene and amputation. This means wearing shoes at all times.
  • Look at your feet (with your eyes, or someone else can look if it's difficult for you to do): every day! If new problems are seen, such as a blister or red spot, telephone your doctor's office promptly for advice; stay off your feet until you get other advice.
  • Break in new shoes slowly, so that they don't accidentally cause blisters.
  • Keep several pairs of shoes at work, or in the car, so you can rotate among them if your feet feel tired.
  • Every patient with neuropathy resulting in anesthesia should be under the care of a podiatrist for routine foot care, such as trimming nails and calluses. (In the U.S., Medicare will pay for this care every 60 days, if you have diabetes and are covered by Medicare health insurance.)
  • And be sure the diagnosis is correct! (There are several other conditions that can also cause neuropathy). You should have an EMG/NCV study done, and some blood tests. Ask your diabetes specialist or neurologist if your personal physician isn't sure what to do (created by diabetesmonitor.com).

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