Tag: diabetic foot care

Categories
blog Diabetic Foot Care

5 Diabetic Foot Myths You Probably Didn’t Know About

The world of diabetic foot care management is complex. Diabetes has many complications that arise from various happenings in the body, and the feet bear a lot of the brunt. This leaves us, as podiatrists, answering so many diabetic questions.

Because of this, there’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to diabetic foot care. But in this article, we at New England Podiatry Associates are here to set the record straight. Let’s finally bust some major diabetic foot myths together (some of them might even shock you).

Myth 1: I don’t need to check my feet if I don’t have any symptoms

Reality: Nerve damage causes numbness, meaning you may not feel cuts, blisters, or sores. Getting professionally checked on a regular basis, therefore, is imperative.

Myth 2: I should avoid exercise if I have diabetes

Reality: Regular exercise is still extremely important. With proper footwear and precautions, getting the blood pumping is crucial for improving circulation, weight management, and wound healing. Consult your doctor for safe exercise recommendations.

Myth 3: A podiatrist can’t help me with my diabetes management

Reality: While podiatrists primarily focus on the foot and ankle, they can play a supportive role in overall diabetes management, including wound care and looking for signs of problems in non-foot-related areas. Podiatrists also coordinate care with other doctors so that your diabetes is given comprehensive attention.

Myth 4: I heard custom orthotics don’t work well for diabetics

Reality: While orthotics may not cure peripheral neuropathy and return full sensation to your feet, they can crucially help alleviate pressure on wounds, take the edge off your pain, and bring much-needed circulation back to the foot.

Myth 5: Diabetic shoes are the only footwear option for people with diabetes

Reality: While diabetic shoes offer extra protection, you can wear a variety of comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Simply choose shoes with good support, ample toe room, and seamless interiors to avoid friction.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

Categories
blog Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Do’s and Don’ts

Diabetes affects your entire body, but unfortunately, your feet are particularly vulnerable. The consequences of neglect are severe: According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, diabetic foot ulcers precede roughly half of all lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes.

New England Podiatry Associates is here to help! With proper care and proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications, and we’ve got a handy list of do’s and don’ts to get you started below.

THE DO’S

THE DON’TS

  • DON’T Ignore Foot Pain or Changes: Never downplay any pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in appearance in your feet. These could be early signs of a developing problem.
  • DON’T Walk Barefoot: Even indoors, walking barefoot increases your risk of injury from sharp objects or burns from hot surfaces. Always wear shoes or slippers at home.
  • DON’T Use Over-the-Counter Corn Removers: These products can irritate the skin and worsen existing problems.
  • DON’T Smoke: Smoking significantly restricts blood flow, hindering healing and increasing the risk of complications in diabetic feet.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.

Categories
blog Orthotics

Orthotics: Stay Sure Footed

Orthotics

Our feet bear the brunt of our hectic lifestyles, so why not give them a boost? At New England Podiatry, we’re proud to do so by offering the very best in custom-fitted orthotics!

Our expert DPMs decided they’d do your feet a solid and provide helpful tips regarding orthotics and their benefits. Look below and see if these sole-saving devices are right for you!

Two Types of Support

Orthotics come in two different varieties:

  • Functional orthotics:

These control the irregular motion of the foot. Often, they’re composed of a semi-rigid material, such as graphite or plastic.

  • Accommodative Orthotics:

This variety focuses on comfort and support. They treat painful conditions like diabetic foot ulcers or sensitive calluses.

Now that you know the options, you might wonder: why seek out orthotics in the first place?

Simple! Orthotics can…

Reduce Fatigue

Unlike mass-produced insoles, custom orthotics address arch height, foot shape, and gait pattern, which helps reduce fatigue associated with prolonged standing or walking.

Soothe and Manage Foot Pain

Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or bunions, orthotics provide targeted relief. They alleviate chronic aches by redistributing pressure and supporting the natural arch of the foot.

Improved Posture and Joint Health

Feet are the foundation of a body’s biomechanics, and any imbalance can have cascading consequences. Custom orthotics work to correct said imbalances, promoting proper alignment. This reduces strain on the feet, which takes pressure off the knees, hips, and lower back, preventing long-term musculoskeletal issues.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

By providing superior shock absorption, inserts improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries during sports or intense physical activities. Customized support can contribute to better energy transfer and efficiency, too.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our firm has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll see if custom orthotics are the right fit for you!

Categories
blog

What You Should Know About Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes are prone to many foot problems. When you have diabetes, being aware of how foot problems can arise from disturbances in the skin, nails, nerves, bones, muscles, and blood vessels is essential. Furthermore, in diabetics, small foot problems can turn into serious complications. Let’s look at what you need to know to manage this condition for healthy feet.

The Risk of Diabetes

Both nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation can cause loss of feeling in your feet. This may take away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, making it difficult to detect an injury. Poor circulation in your feet also reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.

Having diabetes puts you at risk for developing a wide range of foot problems, such as:

What You Can Do

Luckily, you can do a variety of things to decrease the risk of developing serious complications from diabetes. You play a vital role in reducing complications. Here are some tips:

  • Inspect your feet daily.
  • Pay attention to the color of your feet and toes. If they turn red, pink, or purplish, poor circulation may be a problem.
  • Don’t ignore foot or leg pain.
  • Keep floors free of sharp objects. With reduced sensitivity, you may not notice any inflicted wounds or cuts on your feet.
  • Don’t go barefoot. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
blog Diabetic Foot Care Foot Health

Raise Awareness During American Diabetes Month

Diabetes Awareness Month

We can’t close out the month without raising awareness during American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a condition that impacts many of our patients and can create complications for feet and ankles. The doctors at  New England Podiatry Associates also know the holidays can present challenges. We’re here to help you enjoy a delicious meal while staying on top of your health goals.

Enjoy a balanced meal

A diabetes diagnosis isn’t the end of enjoying delicious meals. It does, however, require a few adjustments to manage your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing a meal plan with less added sugars and less processed foods. You can keep fruits, vegetables, and lean meats or plant-based sources of protein on the menu.

Eat with confidence

Before you sit down for your meal, check your blood sugar. We recommend blood sugar checks throughout the day to leave time for any adjustments. From setting timers to having a family member remind you of scheduled checks, start the day off well, and eat your holiday meal with confidence.

Everything in moderation

If there’s a sweet treat you can safely eat, choose a small piece. Remember you can still enjoy leftovers the next day. Go to bed feeling satisfied with your meal and in the safe zone with your blood sugar level.

End the speculation

If you’ve been experiencing foot or ankle pain, now is the time to make an appointment. We want you to continue the holiday season without wondering about the cause of your pain. If you discover a new wound or notice a cut is slow to heal, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We want to help you prevent infection.

We wish you and your family a safe and healthy time of celebration. We’re here to support your foot, and ankle needs this holiday season. Call us at 617-232-1752 to make an appointment. Our Chestnut Hill and Newton-Wellesley offices are open. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.