The Effects Diabetic Neuropathy Can Have on Your Feet

by Pathlie Lee Business consultant

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes experience diabetic neuropathy at some point in their lives, the WebMD says. One common symptom of the condition is nerve pain. Professional treatment is a must. But since foot care impacts your overall health, finding the right socks can also help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Before you start shopping around for neuropathy socks, learn more about your condition. If you have diabetic neuropathy, that means you suffer from nerve damage caused by diabetes. Too much sugar in your blood compromises your veins, which leads to poor circulation. You can suffer from mild symptoms like tingling in your legs or numbness. Some, though, deal with disabling pain.

How Does It Affect Your Legs?

The poor circulation also affects your feet, ankles, and legs. If you have wounds on your feet and they take a long time to recover, that could be a sign that you may be diabetic. The poor circulation means that oxygen won’t get to your veins in time, so even the smallest wound could be at risk of severe infection. That’s why many diabetic patients end up consenting to foot amputation. You could also get swelling in your feet. In some cases, patients have already lost feeling in their legs, ankles, and feet.

How Do You Manage the Condition?

Diabetic neuropathy has no permanent cure. Nerves can’t be replaced, after all. However, it can be managed and treated, so that your quality of life doesn’t suffer.

· One way to do that is to keep your sugar balanced. If you already have diabetic neuropathy, then change your diet. Cut down on the sweets, especially the unhealthy ones to keep your condition from getting worse.

· You can also try over-the-counter painkillers since they often work on nerve pain.

· Some lotions and creams are also helpful. You can apply them to the affected areas to help treat nerve pain.

How Do You Take Care of Your Feet?

Foot care is important to anyone with diabetes. Here are some suggestions that you’ll find useful:

· Wear shoes that fit.

· Stock up on diabetic socks. Check to make sure you get the right size.

· Wear those socks all the time. That will improve circulation in your legs as well as prevent you from injuries. The white color of the fabric also makes it easier for you to spot stains that could be the result of any injuries. If you have diabetic neuropathy, then you might have lost all feeling in your legs. Socks alert you to that fact, so you can seek out treatment right away. That can prevent a serious infection.

· Stock up on the right fabric. When you pick socks, be sure to check the material. Look for options with anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking properties.

· Inspect your feet. Don’t just rely on the socks, though. You need to inspect your feet every day to check for injuries.

· Clean and disinfect your feet and any wounds you have in your legs, ankles, and feet.