Foot pain is a common complication of diabetes, which many people find hard to manage. It’s caused by peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves in the feet. Diabetes can impede blood flow to the feet, so it is important to keep your diabetes under control and take any foot pain seriously.
There are several ways you can get relief from foot pain, including reducing pressure on the feet, weight loss, shoe braces or inserts, and treatment by a chiropractor.
Diabetic foot pain – symptoms and causes
Peripheral neuropathy affects more than 1/3 of diabetics, which leads to serious complications, such as infections and ulcers on the feet. It is important to look out for symptoms, including:
- Corns
- Calluses
- Bent toes due to muscle weakness
- Cracked, dry skin
- Infections on the skin of the foot
- Cellulitis
- Blood in the skin
- Redness
- Swollen feet
If you are concerned, it’s essential to consult a professional. While it is important to make lifestyle changes and maintain a healthy weight, there are treatments available for the pain that comes with diabetic foot problems, including medication. If you have diabetes, maintaining good circulation and taking care of your feet with a regular massage and good foot hygiene will help reduce any potential complications.
Ways to relieve diabetic foot pain
Keeping pressure off your feet is one of the best ways to relieve diabetic foot pain, especially if you are having a flare-up or have any ulcers or sores. Some types of foot pain relief you might want to try include wearing comfortable shoes with inserts or braces for calluses or corns and trying to avoid standing for long periods of time. You could also use a wheelchair if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to try to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or socks that are constricting. Try not to walk too often and put extra pressure on sore feet and avoid going barefoot on cold surfaces, as you can damage sensitive skin in the process. However, it is also important to exercise and keep a healthy weight so that you don’t put more strain on your body with excess pounds.
Serious foot pain caused by diabetes
Foot pain can become more severe and painful over time, especially if your diabetes is difficult to manage or you aren’t making healthy lifestyle choices. You can also try topical treatments like zinc cream and massage therapy sessions to help relieve symptoms.
If you are suffering from diabetic foot pain, it is important to see a chiropractor who can help relieve the pressure on your nerves and restore blood circulation to avoid further damage. An experienced chiropractor will be able to offer a range of treatments including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments as well as regular exercises, and additional testing. Peripheral neuropathy can also be treated by wearing special shoe inserts or braces to prevent corns and calluses from forming, and if you have any ulcers on your feet, these can be treated with debridement.
Looking after your feet if you have diabetes
It is so important to take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes, and severe foot pain could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. There are a few simple ways to relieve foot pain at home, including soaking your feet in water with a little salt for ten minutes. You can also try hot and cold water therapy, which involves soaking your feet in hot water for three minutes, then cold water for two.
See a chiropractor
If you are suffering from diabetic foot pain in Westminster, Maryland, one of our experienced chiropractors can help with treatment and prevention. Be sure to schedule an appointment at Lewis Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center as soon as possible if you suspect any issues related to peripheral neuropathy.
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