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 massages are a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate tired and sore feet. Not only do they feel great, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits that can improve overall well-being. Here are just a few of the many benefits of foot massages:

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Foot massages can help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. The sensation of being touched and the release of endorphins can help to calm the mind and body.
2. Improves Circulation: Foot massages can help to improve circulation by stimulating blood flow to the feet. This can help to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells and tissues of the feet, which can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
3. Alleviates Pain: Foot massages can help to alleviate pain by releasing tension in the muscles and joints. This can help to reduce soreness and stiffness, and improve mobility.
4. Improves Sleep: Foot massages can help to improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The release of endorphins can help to calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
5. Enhances Immune System: Foot massage can help to enhance the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body.
6. Helps with digestion: Foot massage can help with digestion by stimulating the internal organs and muscles of the body. This can help to improve the function of the digestive system and reduce bloating and constipation.
7. Promotes Healing: Foot massages can help to promote healing by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. This can help to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
8. Improves Flexibility: Foot massages can help to improve flexibility by releasing tension in the muscles and joints. This can help to improve range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.
9. Reduces Edema: Foot massages can help to reduce edema, or swelling, by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. This can help to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
10. Enhances Athletic Performance: Foot massages can help to enhance athletic performance by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation. This can help to improve endurance, reduce the risk of injury, and speed up recovery time.

It is important to note that it is best to receive foot massages from a professional massage therapist or reflexologist, as they have the training and experience to provide safe and effective treatments. If you are experiencing a foot condition or have a medical condition, it is important to consult with your doctor before receiving a foot massage

In conclusion, foot massages offer a wide range of health benefits that can improve overall well-being. From relieving stress and anxiety to improving circulation and promoting healing, foot massages can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Whether you receive a foot massage from a professional massage therapist or give yourself a foot massage at home, it is a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate tired and sore feet.

Consider Wearing SelectFlex Flex Adjustable Orthotics to Help Support Your Feet In Addition To Therapeutic Massages. 

  

Got a New Year’s resolution to get more exercise? That’s great! But let’s make sure to protect your feet! Starting a new sport or fitness program is a great way to drop weight or to improve your cardiovascular health. But when you try a new exercise or start exercising more, you put lots of pressure on your feet. And that can lead to sports injuries (National Safety Council)…unless you follow these three important tips for safely exercising!

How to Start a New Sport or Exercise

Whether you’re starting a new running program, or jumping into deadlifts and squats, caution is key. With any new movement, your body needs time to adjust. Don’t expect to get off the couch and run five miles on your first day.

Instead, start low and slow with your training. In your first week, mix running and walking and don’t go more than a mile. If that pace feels comfortable, you can slowly increase your miles or speed the next week. (The safest way to train is to limit your increases to 10%. Whether that means you run 10% farther or faster is your choice.) If walking is your new exercise of choice, check out our blog on how to start a walking workout (Very Well Fit Magazine).

Why is slow and steady the best way to try a new exercise? It gives your body (and feet!) time to adjust to new movements and time to build up the muscles that will support your activity. If you rush into a new sport at full force, you risk an overuse injury which could send you into your Podiatrists office with problems such as shin splints or heel pain.

Choosing Sport Specific Shoes

Maybe your exercise resolutions have you getting serious about one sport. If that’s the case, it’s important to wear the right shoes for your chosen activity. If you’re playing tennis or basketball more than three times a week, choose shoes specifically designed for those sports. (The same is true for cleat-based sports, such as soccer or football.)

But what if you’re just walking or hitting the cardio equipment at your gym? In this case, cross-training athletic shoes are the way to go. These are athletic shoes with forefoot flexibility, so you can run if you need to. They also have lateral support, so you can step from side-to-side in Zumba class or on the elliptical. Finally, they have good support to protect your feet from the impact of any exercise.

Consider Orthotics to Prevent Exercise-Related Injury

Sometimes the structure of your body (biomechanics) increases your injury risk. That means even the best athletic shoes won’t protect your feet when you exercise. If your feet are flat, if your arches are too high or if your legs are different lengths, you may need extra support. Customizeable Orthotic insoles such as SelectFlex could be your solution. SelectFlex are an entirely new type of dynamic energy returning insole that won ISHN’s award for Best Protective Footwear.  SelectFlex insoles use a patented energy returning arch lifting technology called the PowerLift Arch.  The PowerLift Arch provides the wearer with 3 energy return levels to support the arch with dynamic alignment with every step. 

This can improve your efficiency when starting a new sport, especially running. Want to learn more about keeping your fitness resolutions with the help of cutomizeable orthotic insoles? See how SelectFlex can help you meet those 2022 fitness goals!

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