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Diabetes is the leading cause of amputations of the
foot and leg.
Ill-fitting shoes and socks have
been identified as precipitating factors leasing to foot
ulceration in people with diabetes.
Chaftari has been treating since 1922 and with
success, a great part of feet deformities and feet
problems. Today, and after yea§rs of research we propose
, a wide range of specially made shoes for
diabetic feet, starting from the minor problem up to the amputation,
passing through all kinds of foot ulcers. Our Collection of
, is medically designed to meet the patients’
needs. Different styles and colors are proposed for ladies as well
as for men, with one thing in mind: maximum protection, supreme
prevention and ultimate comfort, along with superior quality and
looks.
What is neuropathy? Neuropathy is the gradual loss
of nerve function in the feet and legs due to diabetes. The most
common and significant change is loss of feeling, or touch
sensation. Neuropathy usually comes on slowly. You may not notice it
at first because it is the absence or reduction of sensation. It is
hard to be aware of something you cannot feel! A physical exam by
your doctor can help in making the diagnosis.
If
neuropathy causes loss of feeling, why do my feet sometimes
hurt or tingle? Neuropathy can cause the nerves to "go
haywire," or transmit impulses that you experience as numbness,
tingling, shooting pains, burning sensations, pins and needles,
electric shock sensations or any combination of the
above.
Do all diabetics get neuropathy? The
likelihood of getting neuropathy increases with age. The longer you
have diabetes, the increased chance you have of developing
neuropathy.
What can happen to my feet if I have
neuropathy? You can injure your feet without knowing it. For
example, a person with neuropathy may let a cut or sore of the foot
get out of hand simply because it does not feel painful, and they do
not realize it is there. If you wear a pair of poorly fitting shoes,
blisters or open sores (ulcers) can form in less than an hour. At
first these can cause small problems, which can snowball into more
serious ones. The most dangerous thing about neuropathy is the
absence of feeling, because this allows the injury to go
unrecognized.
How does diabetes affect
circulation? Diabetes can contribute to narrowing of the
arteries, and decreased circulation in the upper and lower parts of
the leg. However, as discussed above, neuropathy, not circulation,
is the main cause of most diabetic foot problems.
How do I
prevent foot problems? Good care requires daily vigilance.
Close visual inspection must substitute for the feeling you have
lost in your feet. Look for reddened skin, sores, blisters, inflamed
nails, bony prominences, and changes in the shape of your foot. You
can even place a mirror against a wall near a chair in the bedroom
or bath to inspect your feet. If you have poor vision, you may find
a magnifying glass helpful. Most practically, have a friend or
family member inspect your feet regularly.
What daily care
should I do? Use gentle cleaning routines. Wash your feet in
lukewarm water, never hot. Because you cannot rely on your feet to
warn you that the water is too hot, test the water temperature with
your elbow. Wash with a soft cloth and mild soap. Dry thoroughly but
gently between the toes. Use a moisturizing lotion for dry skin, but
do not put it between the toes. Keep dry skin soft and
pliable.
What kind of socks should I use? Cotton or
wool socks provide the best padding. Avoid synthetic materials.
Avoid holes, wrinkles and lumpy stitching. Do not use Socks or
stockings with garters or elastic tops that can cut off your
circulation.
What kind of footwear should I
choose? Choosing good footwear that allows plenty of room can
help prevent foot injuries. Shoes should have cushioned soles with
uppers made of soft, breathable materials such as leather, not
plastic. Patients with neuropathy should use specially custom-molded
insoles to help cushion the foot. These are shaped to the
foot.
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