Tag: Prediabetes

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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.

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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.

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Being Wise About Blood Sugar

It may be easy to forget, but when was the last time you checked your blood sugar levels? If you had a recent doctor’s visit with bloodwork, you have the latest numbers. If it has been a while since your last visit to a health professional, it may be time. Some people may be walking around with prediabetes. The New England Podiatry Associates hope to use American Diabetes Month to encourage your next checkup. With prediabetes, there’s a way to turn things around. It starts with a lifestyle change, including your diet and exercise.

Here are three ways you can start today:

Schedule an appointment

If you haven’t been to the doctor lately, let today be a gentle reminder to make an appointment. If you don’t know your levels, you could be walking around with high or low blood sugar levels. If you have a family member with diabetes, your risk increases. What else is a risk factor? Being overweight. Together, let’s assess your health history and create a prevention plan. We are also the experts in diabetic foot care.

Stop sitting — and smoking

Are you sitting more than you’d like? Get up and start moving. A healthy, active lifestyle is one way to reduce your risk of diabetes. If you’re smoking, now is the time to stop. This behavior is also a lifestyle change that increases your risk. We’re happy to connect you with the supportive resources to help you put the cigarettes down. When it’s time to get moving again with an exercise plan, we’ll make sure that your feet are ready.

Stick to the plan

If you learn that you are prediabetic, here’s what it means: Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. They’re not at the level of a diabetes diagnosis, but they are close. Listen to the advice of your doctor to take control of your health. According to the American Diabetes Association, prediabetes doesn’t guarantee that you will have diabetes. However, it should be a warning that you are heading in the wrong direction. Use this sign as a motivator to make a change. Create a health plan — and stick to it. We’re here to help.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. 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.