Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetes Is No New Discovery!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Tony Abbott, D.Ch.
Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
705-444-9929
http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Diabetes affects millions of Canadian’s lives across the country. Fortunately, the discovery of the lifelong disease is not new to the medical world. New forms of treatment and management are being discovered each day with new research and technology skills. Thankfully, being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up activities or foods that you enjoy. With modern medicine and helpful doctors, you can manage your diabetes without missing out on anything in your life!

To appreciate how far the medical world has come with knowledge and treatment for diabetes, following is a timeline to show how the disease was discovered and the major events that brought us to the information we have about it today.

It wasn’t until the 16^th century that diabetes was identified as a serious disorder by a Swedish doctor. In that day, diabetes was associated with patients who urinated often of which smelled somewhat like sugar.
The 17^th century provided European doctors who realized diabetes could be treated through a certain diet and one discovered, by removing the pancreas of a dog, that diabetes is caused by the removal of the organ.
Finally, in the early 19^th century, American professors recorded the association between the loss of pancreas and the onset of diabetes. The discovery of insulin was later found as a helpful form of diabetes treatment, which was awarded with the Nobel Prize in 1923 to the discovering doctors, Banting and Macleod.
The Canadian Diabetes Association was launched in the 80s with complete recollection of diabetes information and treatment.
Today, diabetes is a popular medical topic as websites and magazines are published to help those with diabetes manage and adjust their lifestyles to keep their blood sugar levels in check with the right diet and physical activity.

With so much history and discovery about the disease, Chiropodists are now able to help patients regarding diabetes when it comes to their feet. Diabetes can cause multiple complications in the foot including: nerve damage also known as neuropathy, foot wounds and ulcers, poor circulation, and possible amputation. Thanks to expertly trained practitioners with knowledge of the diseases’ effect on feet, they can help you overcome and prevent these complications from happening to you.

If you are a person with diabetes and have not visited a foot specialist, please contact our office to set up an appointment with Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic today.

Do You Have Diabetes? You Don’t Have to Suffer from Poor Foot Circulation!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Tony Abbott, D.Ch.

Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist

705-444-9929

http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Do you find that your feet are often tingly, cold or numb? Poor circulation in the legs and feet are a common occurrence for people with diabetes. It can cause serious medical problems if you aren’t properly aware of potential risks for bodily harm and aren’t in control of your sugar levels. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to narrow in the feet, decreasing blood flow, which can cause atherosclerosis to develop and create buildup in the vessel walls that can lead to blood flow blockage in the arteries.

What can you do about poor blood circulation in your feet? Fortunately, you can encourage blood flow to your feet by incorporating foot care tips into your daily health regimen. Collingwood chiropodist Tony Abbott recommends following these guidelines to increase your circulation.

Wear shoes that fit. Shoes that fit improperly can restrict blood flow due to pressure being put on your blood vessels in your feet and ankles. Make sure to choose a pair of shoes that provide enough space for your feet to fit comfortably.
Engage in regular exercise. Daily exercise, even as simple as walking, will help reduce weight, prevent fluid retention and increase blood flow to your feet.
Quit smoking. Nicotine that is in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, which interfere with blood flow. Speak with your doctor about medication or smoking-cessation aids if you can’t stop smoking on your own.
Elevate your legs as much as possible. Putting your feet up when you’re relaxing or changing positions frequently while sitting down will encourage fluids to drain, reduce pressure and improve blood flow throughout your legs and feet.
Keep your feet warm. Wear socks to bed during colder weather and keep a blanket covering your legs and feet when relaxing. This can help increase the temperature of your feet and increase circulation.
Check your medications. Ask your doctor if any medications you are currently using cause your circulation to decrease. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can constrict blood vessels, which cause circulation to be impaired.

If you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet, please call our office to set up anappointment with Tony Abbott. Taking care of the problem right away can prevent further foot complications from occurring.

Diabetic Benefits for Walking - One Step at a Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Tony Abbott, D.Ch. Registered Chiropodist

Foot Specialist 705-444-9929

http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

If you have diabetes you should incorporate exercise in your daily routine. Not only is walking a recommended physical activity for people with diabetes, but it is also easy, relaxing, and can be done almost anywhere! By walking 30 minutes to an hour each day you can acquire the following health benefits:

Improved glucose levels. Walking regularly helps muscles absorb blood sugar, preventing it from getting built up in your bloodstream.
Improved cardiovascular fitness. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease and engaging in cardio exercise such as walking is important.
Weight control. Walking regularly burns calories, which help you control your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to decrease health risks including foot problems.

If you’re looking to incorporate an exercise routine into your daily schedule, consider using a walking program to stay active and fit! Chiropodist, Tony Abbott, suggests these walking routine tips to get you started on a walking program that will ensure health benefits and foot safety.

Start slow and easy. If walking only 10 minutes on the first day is all you can accomplish, that is perfectly okay! The important thing is to not overdo it so you don’t risk injury or soreness, which can leave you unmotivated.
Add 5 to 10 minutes to your walking routine each week. As your body continues to get used to the physical activity, aim for 45 minutes to an hour of walking five to seven times per week. This is an ideal amount for blood glucose maintenance and a sufficient amount of cardio exercise to get your heart pumping.
Break it up. If you struggle with walking up to an hour at one time, split the time into 15 minute interval sessions, which are just as effective as one long walk.
Find a safe place to walk. If you’re neighborhood isn’t the greatest for outdoor walking, consider walking with friends or try walking at a nearby track, community center, or shopping mall.

Use these guidelines to get your walking program underway! The 10^th annual Collingwood MS Walk on April 22 is a great walk to participate in, which will not only keep up with your walking routine, but counts for a greater cause of supporting funds for multiple sclerosis research as well!

For more information about diabetes walking benefits, contact our office to set up an appointment with Dr. Abbott. Here is the link to register for the Collingwood MS Walk. For more information on the walk throughout Canada, visit www.MSWalks.ca.

Resources:

http://diabetes.about.com/od/benefitsofexercise/a/walking.htm

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/type2/managing/walk-it-off.aspx

Diabetes, Feet, and Paula Dean

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:26:00 +0000

You’ve probably heard the big news about Paula Dean – she has type II diabetes. Dean is most known for her southern cooking, as a cookbook author, and TV personality. In recent days the internet, blogs, magazines, and news outlets have been a buzz about her recent revelation. However, she’s had the disease for the past three years, and only recently let the public know about her condition.

So what does Paula Dean have to do with feet? Sure her fatty, buttery foods are mouth watering, but her disclosure of having type II diabetes will bring about attention that often times may be overlooked. The public will gain more information about the disease, but also knowledge and understanding about how to care for feet and why it is crucial when dealing with diabetes.

Let’s start with some basics – type II diabetes is actually the most common form of diabetes. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is important for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. Also, if you have diabetes your feet are important to watch out for as they can be an indicator of problems.

When you have diabetes what may seem like an ordinary problem, if not taken care of, can lead to even bigger issues. A few conditions many people with diabetes have to watch out for include: neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, foot ulcers, and poor circulation.

As a person with diabetes you should do the following everyday:

· Check your feet for any unusual bumps, swelling, cuts, and blisters.

· Wash your feet and make sure to dry them thoroughly especially between the toes.

· Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet, but never between the toes.

· Don’t walk around barefoot! Wear shoes, socks, and make sure your feet are comfortable and protected.

If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, or have lived with it for years, please call our office to set up an appointment. Let us help you with your foot management to avoid any complications with diabetes.

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/17/paula-deen-diabetes-diet_n_1211277.html

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/?loc=GlobalNavLWD&__utma=1.924612892.1327285390.1327285390.1327285390.1&__utmb=1.20.9.1327285477077&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1327285390.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=american%20diabetes%20association&__utmv=-&__utmk=16269110

Tony Abbott, D.Ch. Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist 705-444-9929 http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Product of the Month: Dr. Remedy's Nail Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

At the Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic, we see many cases of toenail fungus and generally unhealthy toenails. Toenail fungus is completely preventable! There are things many patients do every day to put themselves at risk for toenail fungus.

One thing many women do is wear polish on their toenails. Toe nail polish can often mask the signs of toenail fungus like discoloration and thickening. The polish itself can also be harmful because it contains harsh chemicals that leave nails brittle, discolored, and damaged. It's not that we want to discourage wearing nail polish, it's just that we care more about nail health than nail polish.

That's why we are so excited about this product: Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish. This is a great new product that's been developed by podiatrists Adam Cirlincione and William Spielfogel. Not only have they created a nail polish that doesn't contain harmful chemicals, but they've also added nutrients that enhance nail and skin health.

Many patients don't realize the toxins that are in commercial nail polish; formaldehyde and DBP are the most well known. Neither of these chemicals are used in Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish. Formaldehyde is usually added to increase longevity, but doctors found that when they removed it from the formula, no quality was lost. DBP has been found to cause infertility and birth defects, so pregnant women especially should look into using Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish.

The Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic is so excited about this product and we look forward to spreading the word about this great development! Browse their selection here.

SPECIAL OFFER: For every two bottles of Dr.’s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish (base, colour, or top coat) purchased from now until January 19, 2012, we’ll give you Dr.’s REMEDY® Nail Polish Remover absolutely FREE!

Tony Abbott, D.Ch. Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist 705-444-9929 http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Callouses Cause Complications For Diabetics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:46:00 +0000

Foot care is especially important for people with diabetes. If you are a person that has diabetes, then you are more at risk for foot problems. The reason for this is because diabetes has the ability to damage your nerves, and reduce blood flow to your feet. There are different types of complications that can arise, but we will be focusing on one that you can watch out for and prevent.

Callouses can be a big problem for people with diabetes. They have the ability to occur more often and build up faster in feet that belong to a person with diabetes. What happens is the constant friction and pressure build up thickened layers of skin, which become callouses. These occur on the soles of feet, heels, or balls of the foot.

Complications can arise if callouses get very thick, break down, and turn into open sores. Callouses should be trimmed, but not by you. It’s important to see a chiropodist to help with their removal. However, you can begin to prevent and keep callouses from becoming worse by doing the following:

· Use a pumice stone on your feet every day.

· Buy a quality shoe insert to relieve the pressure from your feet. These may need to be custom made so it’s important to check with your chiropodist.

· Change or buy shoes that fit properly. Make sure that they are not too tight, too high or too loose.

If you would like more information about callouses and diabetes, please call our office. You can also visit the website for Canadian Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.ca/.

Tony Abbott, D.Ch. Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist 705-444-9929 http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca
You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter

World Diabetes Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:11:00 +0000

The Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic is celebrating the 90^th anniversary of insulin! November 14^th is World Diabetes Day. The universal symbol for Diabetes is a blue circle and we want to spread the word to help create awareness about diabetes. So today, and for the rest of November, our office will be decorated with blue circles to celebrate this important event.
Help us spread the word and fight diabetes!

At the Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we are dedicated to educating people about the prevention of diabetes and its many complications. It all begins with healthy living. Many diabetics experience peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling to the feet) are at risk for serious complications. This may include foot ulcers that can lead to lower leg amputations. Visiting your foot specialist for an annual Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam greatly reduces your chance of foot complications.

Tony Abbott, D.Ch. Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist 705-444-9929 http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Foot Health Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

How valuable are your feet to you? Our feet are by far the most over worked and neglected part of our bodies. The average person takes about 4,000 steps a day and the average active person takes over 10,000. Our feet are made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons that work together to bear the body.
May is foot health month, a great reminder to get your feet checked out by a Chiropodist to insure that they are healthy. Just like any other annual check up its recommended that everyone gets their feet checked at least once a year. An annual check up is even more important for people who suffer from a disease such as diabetes where if a foot problem should arise and is not treated right away it can have devastating consequences. If even the smallest cuts or sores go unnoticed in diabetics it puts them at risk for much more serious complications. Those with diabetes should examine their feet every morning and night, in between the toes and on the bottom of their feet. It is also important that diabetics wear the appropriate footwear, clean their feet regularly and always protecting their feet. Never walk barefoot!
Seniors are among the most important people who need to pay particular attention to their feet. This is because foot pain can result in loss of balance and therefore cause unexpected falls that can be fatal. Older people tend to believe that foot pain or discomfort are normal and come with age. Therefore they don’t get treatment right away and what started as a minor problem develops into something much more complex.
We only get one pair of feet in a life time so it’s important to take the appropriate steps to care for them. If you haven’t already seen a chiropodist, let foot health month be a reminder to do so.

Tony Abbott, D.Ch.
Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
705-444-9929
http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

Pain Relief For Neuropathy?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Neuropathy is a condition that is commonly found when complications occur in people with diabetes. Initial symptoms of neuropathy are mild tingling in an area of the foot that overtime turns into numbness and most likely complete loss of feeling in the troubled area. Neuropathy is a very serious condition. If the area of numbness or loss of feeling were to get a cut or infection it can easily go unnoticed due to the loss of feeling. As a result, much greater complications could arise such as ulceration and in extreme cases amputation.
The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is where the nerves within the peripheral nervous system are injured. Peripheral neuropathy is most common but not restricted to, the elderly and people with diabetes. It is extremely important for people living with diabetes have control of their disease and to take special care of their feet in order to prevent conditions such as neuropathy. A popular drug being recommended by Chiropodists to patients suffering from neuropathy is Neuremedy. Neuremedy is a medical food that provides nutrition for the nerves which will allow them to work properly and more efficiently. Neuremedy offers relief from the common symptoms of neuropathy such as burning, tingling, numbness and pain.
Neuremedy contains Benfotiamine. Benotiamine is the most successful type of Thiamine, vitamin B1, used to treat neuropathy. Benotiamine provids the nerves with the nourishment that is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system. Benotiamine has been used to treat tens of thousands of patients who suffer from neuropathy in Asia and Europe since the 1960’s. It has been studied by researchers and been proven to be safe and effective. There are also no known harmful effects and it can be safely taken with other medications and supplements.
Patients who have been prescribed Neuremedy have reported that they have been relieved from their symptoms within a few days and others have said it has taken as long as two months to have relief of their symptoms.

Tony Abbott, D.Ch.
Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
705-444-9929
http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

The Evolution of Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:20:00 +0000

Here is a link to an interesting article on the evolution of Diabetes and its management. Aren't you glad you don't have to sterilize and sharpen your own needles nowadays?

http://healthandfitness.sympatico.msn.ca/SpecialFeatures/diabetes/ContentPosting?newsitemid=07ead91b-baa5-4b42-965c-ea30990f27db&feedname=HEALTH_DIABETES&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False
Tony Abbott, D.Ch.
Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
705-444-9929
http://www.abbottfootclinic.ca/

Diabetes Can Seriously Affect Your Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:58:00 +0000

When you have diabetes, proper foot care is critical. Poor foot care combined with diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including a serious infection and possibly an amputation. You should visit your chiropodist or podiatrist at least twice a year for diabetic foot care.

It's important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. Diabetics are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. You can help prevent many of these problems by taking action and educating yourself!

Essential Tips for Healthy Diabetic Feet
• Don't wait to treat a minor foot problem. Follow your chiropodist’s or podiatrist’s recommendations for you feet.
• Report foot injuries and infections to your immediately. Seemingly, simple injuries can develop quickly in to a serious foot problem.
• Check water temperature for your bath or foot soak with a thermometer or your elbow (if possible). Do not use your hand or foot as you may have peripheral neuropathy and may not be able to feel the actual temperature.
• Do not use a heating pad on your feet.
• Do not cross your legs when sitting as you can restrict blood flow to your feet.
• Do not self-treat your corns, calluses, or other foot problems. Seek proper medical attention for these conditions.

Following these steps can improve both your foot health and your overall well being!

Tony Abbott, D.Ch.
Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
705-444-9929
http://www.AbbottFootClinic.ca

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