Tom Hanks and Type 2 Diabetes - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Oscar-award winning actor Tom Hanks confirmed that he is suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. With this type of diabetes, the body fails to use insulin properly which results to raised levels of glucose or sugar in the body. And one of the complications of having Type 2 Diabetes is the high risk of developing diabetic foot.

How does a diabetic foot occur?

A diabetic foot occurs due to poor circulation in the foot or neuropathy. This is because of poor blood circulation caused by increased blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy can cause the loss of sensation in the feet. A person may lose the ability to feel any pain, heat, or cold. Minor cuts, burns, pressure sores and other foot problems. This may lead to neglect, causing more foot problems. If left untreated, complications may occur such as infection, death of the tissues, and ulceration.

Consult a podiatrist for more information on proper foot care. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders.

Three Foot problems common with having diabetes

1. Loss of feeling in the feet
2. Changes in the shape of the feet
3. Foot sores and ulcers that are not healing
4. Diabetic foot care

Orthotics with Plastazote foam. Plastazote foam is the number one material used for protecting the diabetic foot. It helps accommodate pressure hot spots by adapting to heat and pressure.

Wear proper foot wear with:

1. High and wide toe box
2. Insoles that are removable
3. Options to insert orthotics when needed
4. Firm heel counters which will provide stability and support

How can I prevent a diabetic foot?

Prevention is always better than cure, hence, it is important to focus on preventing a diabetic foot rather than focusing on how to treat it once it occurs. Here are ways to ensure that you prevent the occurrence of a diabetic foot:

• Control your diabetes. Ensure that you are having a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups with your physician.
• Regularly check your feet. Check your feet for cuts, sores, burns, and other problems. It is important that you check your feet because you might be unaware of certain problems due to the loss of sensation.
• Keep skin smooth and soft. Apply lotion or cream at the top and bottom of the feet, but do not put lotion in between toes as this may cause infection.
• Wear shoes and socks all the time and refrain from walking barefoot.
• Protect your feet from cold and heat.
• Keep good blood circulation on your feet.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in we specialize in helping diabetics with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Getting Rid of Cracked Heels Safely for Diabetics - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Cuts and wounds are easy entry points for infection. And when you’re suffering from diabetes, a simple wound could quickly turn out to be a full-blown infection that may require amputation. Complications from diabetes could have a serious implication on foot health. People with poor eyesight can suffer from a fall or accident which can lead to sprains or foot injuries. 

A cracked heel should also be treated with the same level of concern.  Like wounds or cuts, cracked heels can be entry points of infection. And of course there is the problem of wearing sandals that visually expose these unsightly cracked heels. 

There are a few simple reminders when treating cracked heels in diabetics. Greater care should be done when treating cracked heels due to numerous diabetic complications. For diabetics suffering from a foot disorder, consulting a podiatrist is recommended. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot disorders in diabetics. 

Cracked Heel Treatment for Diabetics

Inspect your heels daily for cracks or sores. The best way to treat cracked heels is to manage it during its early stages. Daily feet inspection is advised for diabetics. Use your fingers to feel any skin thickening. This might not be visible to diabetics suffering from poor eyesight or have lost nerve sensations in their feet. 

 Drink 8 glasses of water or more to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Diabetics are at higher risk for dehydration or fluid loss due to high glucose levels in their blood. Provide you skin with that extra level of protection against dry skin by keeping yourself hydrated. 

Washing our feet regularly should be done with or without cracked feet. But this should take more urgency when we have diabetes. Cracked feet could provide germs an opportunity to infect. Just be sure to dry the feet thoroughly especially between the toes. 

A pumice stone comes highly recommended when filing away excess skin on the heels. However, this should be done gradually to avoid creating cuts or bruising the skin. 

Use a moisturizer to soften up the skin after washing or before going to bed. Lotions help lock moisture and helps in softening dry skin. Apply moisturizers after a bath or before sleep.  

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping diabetics with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Risk Factors for Developing Foot Problems in our Later Years

Aging is inevitable and some of us may think that age related problems is something just around the corner. Feet conditions such as arthritis and ingrown toenails are common among the elderly.  But just because these are common medical conditions in seniors, it doesn’t mean everybody has to suffer from it. Knowing, is half the battle and a little bit of prevention goes a long way in shielding your feet from future foot conditions.

 Wearing tight, poorly fitting, high heeled shoes – whenever we place extra pressure in our feet for wearing the wrong type of shoes, we run the risk of developing foot conditions in our later years. When we go against the natural structure of our feet we increase our risk for certain foot conditions. 

Diabetes – complications from diabetes include peripheral neuropathy and poor blood circulation to the feet. Both of which directly contribute to the development of serious foot infections. Loss of sensation reduces our ability to recognize wounds and poor circulation decreases our immune system’s response to infection. 

Complications from diabetes includes poor eyesight. This places seniors in greater risk for accidents and falls. Seniors are less resilient in terms of recovering from injuries. Fractures may not heal properly resulting to long term disabilities.

Weight problems – our feet are designed to absorb our weight when standing, walking or running. Multiply this a couple of times when jumping and you have a recipe for foot injury. 

History of foot injuries – previous injuries can result to serious foot problems in our later years. Improper healing of foot fractures and injuries become more prominent as we age. Our feet are no longer able to compensate for the structural abnormalities in our feet. 

Athletes or those with an active lifestyle should consult with a podiatrist to inspect past injuries and seek proper treatment for any foot injury. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot conditions. 

Peripheral neuropathy – is the loss of sensation in the extremities such as the foot and legs. It may not have a direct effect in the development of foot injuries but it places us at greater risk for infection and injury.  Wounds may go unnoticed for days allowing infection to set in. Combined with a senior’s weak immune system this makes wounds a serious health threat. See a podiatrist immediately for foot wound care. 

Standing for long periods of time – young people may get away with a lot of things but this could cause feet problems in our senior years. Standing for long periods of time places huge pressure on our feet. We should never underestimate the amount of work our feet experiences during our daily activities. While walking or running are necessary, standing for long periods of time can be avoided.  

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in senior foot care.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.