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TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET IF YOU HAVE DIABETES

Aug 27, 2023 Posted by: Barry Renow
TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET IF YOU HAVE DIABETES - SelectFlex

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, which can lead to a wide range of health complications (WebMD).  One of the most commonly affected areas in the body for people with diabetes is the feet. This is because diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation and a loss of sensation in the feet.

Proper foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent serious foot problems. The reason is that people with diabetes are more likely to develop foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and infections. In some cases, these problems can lead to amputation if left untreated.

One of the most important things that people with diabetes can do to take care of their feet is to check them regularly (Foot Health Facts). This means looking at the feet for any changes in color, shape, or temperature, as well as any cuts, sores, or blisters. It is also important to check for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Another important aspect of foot care for people with diabetes is to keep the feet clean and dry. This means washing the feet regularly with soap and water and thoroughly drying them afterward, especially between the toes. Wearing clean, dry socks can also help to keep the feet dry, as well as prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Proper shoe fitting is also important for people with diabetes. Shoes should fit comfortably and provide enough room for the toes to move freely (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). They should also have a non-slip sole to prevent falls. It is also important to avoid walking barefoot, as this can increase the risk of injury and infection.

Another important aspect of foot care for people with diabetes is to exercise regularly. This can help to improve circulation and sensation in the feet. It is best to start with low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming and gradually increase the intensity over time.

In addition to these preventive measures, it is also important for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups with a podiatrist (American Diabetes Association). Podiatrists are specialized in foot and ankle care and can help to detect any problems early on and provide treatment.

In some cases, people with diabetes may need special shoes or inserts, such as SelectFlex, to help protect their feet. These can include shoes with a wide, deep toe box and a non-slip sole, as well as inserts that provide extra cushioning and support.

In summary, proper foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent serious foot problems. This includes regular foot checks, keeping the feet clean and dry, proper shoe fitting, exercising regularly, and regular check-ups with a podiatrist. People with diabetes may also need special shoes or inserts to help protect their feet. By following these steps, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of serious foot problems and maintain healthy feet.

 Consider Wearing SelectFlex Adjustable Orthotics to Help Relieve your Diabetes. 

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FOOT BIOMECHANICS

Sep 08, 2020 Posted by: Thomas Bellezza

Characteristics & Anatomy Of The Foot

The feet are the foundation of support for the pelvis, spine and lower body. They provide the necessary stability to perform daily activities. The foot and ankle form a complex system which consists of 28 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, controlled by 13 extrinsic and 21 intrinsic muscles. The foot is subdivided into the rear-foot, mid-foot & fore-foot and central to the success of the pedal foundation is its “arched structure”. The Arched Structure is a complex of three bony arches: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch and the anterior transverse (metatarsal) arch.(Physio-Pedia)

Arches of Foot

The 3 arches of the foot allow the foot to absorb downward forces and act as a rigid lever during gait propulsion:

  • Medial Longitudinal Arch: The most obvious arch is seen along the medial aspect of the foot. The navicular bone forms the "keystone" of this large and long arch, which is supported primarily by the plantar fascia and spring ligament. The muscles of the foot and lower leg do not provide support for the medial arch, except during toe-off when walking or while standing on tip-toe.
  • Lateral Longitudinal Arch (LLA): This arch is located along the outside of each foot and relies much less on connective tissues for its support. For this reason, proper function of the lateral arch is extremely dependent on the alignment of the cuboid bone, which is frequently found to be in need of adjustment. Proper support for this arch is at least as important as for the other two, but is surprisingly absent in many orthotics.
  • Transverse (Metatarsal) Arch: This arch extends from the metatarsal heads back to the tarsal bones, and runs from the medial to the lateral sides of the foot. At its most anterior portion, the metatarsal heads contact the ground. Poor function and loss of this arch will often result in a build-up of thick callus underneath the metatarsal heads. Recurrent "dropped" metatarsal heads and/or irritation of one of the interdigital nerves (a "Morton's neuroma") is also a good indications that this arch is not being supported properly by the plantar fascia. (Dynamic Chiropractic)

Static and Dynamic Support With Orthotics

The structural design of the three-arched plantar vault is very good at supporting weight and carrying heavy loads, while remaining flexible. During normal standing, the load of the body is balanced over the center of the foot, anterior to the ankle. This places the greatest amount of load at the apex of the three arches. This force is then distributed along the "buttresses" of the arches to the heel (which bears 50 percent to 60 percent of body weight) and the metatarsal heads (which bear 40 percent to 50 percent of body weight). Loss of this configuration will result in abnormal force concentrations, which will eventually cause degenerative and symptomatic clinical conditions. (Foot Education) 

During gait, the foot undergoes substantial changes. The arches and connective tissues must sustain the stress of heel strike, then adapt to the ground during stance phase, and finally become a rigid lever to provide an efficient push-off. This must all occur in a coordinated manner, with no glitches or hang-ups. The foot must permit a smooth transfer of the body's center of mass over the leg to conserve energy and keep the work expenditure to a minimum. The heavier a patient is, the greater the stresses on the feet and ankles.

Collapse or dysfunction of any of the arches needs to be addressed with flexible yet stabilizing orthotics that will support the patient's foot both during standing (static support) and throughout the gait cycle (dynamic support), while controlling the impact forces. There is one actual insole that provides “Dynamic” support called SelectFlex which uses a patented arch lifting technology called the PowerLift Arch. The PowerLift Arch provides the wearer with 3 levels to support the arch with dynamic alignment with every step. This unique arch technology dynamically lifts your arch into a comforting sine wave motion that provides up to 89% more arch support with every step.

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