There are many conditions that may cause foot pain. For example, it may be caused by some diseases such as diabetes, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this article, how diabetes can cause foot pain is explained, and some tips for the relief of diabetic foot pain are offered.
Diabetic foot pain may be caused by two conditions: peripheral artery disease and peripheral neuropathy. These two conditions are responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes. In the case of peripheral artery disease, there is a decreased delivery of oxygen to the lower legs and feet. When the situation gets worse, the lack of oxygen delivery to tissues can even cause ulcers and tissue death; In the case of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral nerves are damaged directly because of diabetes. This can result in tingling, pain, or burning in involved areas, including the feet.
For people with diabetes, there are many ways to help protect the feet and relieve foot pains. The following are some tips.
1.Blood sugar control
It is crucial to keep the blood sugar level under control in the case of diabetic foot pain. It is the best prevention or relief for nerve pains. If diabetes is not managed, the blood glucose levels get too high. Over time, excess blood sugar can damage the peripheral nerves, resulting in foot pain. As a matter of fact, a 2006 study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases showed that strict blood glucose control with intensive therapy can help people with type 1 diabetes lower the odds of getting peripheral neuropathy symptoms– tingling, burning, and pain — by 64%. These results have also been shown to go for type 2 diabetes, too.
2.Daily check of the feet
Try to check both feet carefully on a daily basis. Make sure to check between all of the toes since blisters and infections can begin between the toes, and people with diabetes may not feel them until they’ve become irritated or infected due to peripheral neuropathy.
3.Warm bath every day
Try to soak the feet in a warm bath rather than hot bath every day. The warm water is not only relaxing, but also can speed up circulation throughout the body. Remember to test the water temperature with hands first since people with diabetes may not be able to feel heat with the feet. Another thing to remember is to avoid soaking feet in water for too long because waterlogged sores have a harder time healing.
4.Good-fitting shoes and socks
The rubbing due to misfit shoes can result in blisters which may turn into sores. Try to choose shoes without rough seams, sharp edges or other objects that could hurt the feet. Better-fitting shoes and socks can make a difference even at the most minor signs of redness or irritation, since people with diabetes may not be able to feel when it’s getting worse.
Apart from the above tips, pain killers can also help, but try to talk to the physician first. Besides, people with diabetic foot pain can also get relief if they stop smoking and get moving.When the feet is taken good care of, diabetic foot pain can be relieved.
Posted on May 5, 2023