Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that frequently affects the feet and lower leg. It results from high blood sugar levels, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, along with muscle weakness that can impact walking. Reduced sensation also makes it difficult to feel injuries, leading to unnoticed cuts or sores that heal slowly. Left untreated, these injuries may worsen, heightening the risk of infections and ulcers. For those with diabetic neuropathy, routine foot care is essential to prevent complications. A podiatrist can assist by evaluating the feet, monitoring any signs of damage, and providing guidance on footwear and skin care. This foot doctor can also suggest lifestyle modifications to support foot health and help manage the condition effectively. Regular checkups with a podiatrist help to reduce the risk of severe foot problems that are associated with diabetic neuropathy. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and regular treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom orthotics serve as an important tool in managing soft tissue, bone injuries, and neurological conditions affecting the feet and ankles. They work by redistributing pressure, stabilizing joints, and improving overall alignment, which can help reduce strain on soft tissues and promote healing of bone injuries. In cases of neurological changes, custom orthotics can provide additional support and improve balance and mobility. Orthotics are often used alongside other treatments, such as targeted exercises or medication, to address underlying impairments and improve gait. Setting clear treatment goals is essential to determine the best orthotic solution, whether targeting pain relief, enhanced mobility, or correcting biomechanical issues. Custom orthotics ensure a proper fit and function. While generally not a standalone treatment, custom orthotics play a vital role in achieving better outcomes and improving quality of life. If you have foot or ankle pain, problems, or injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and determination if orthotics can help you.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact one of our podiatrists at BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet. 

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention. 

Medical Grade Shoe Inserts: 

A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Yoga can be a gentle and effective way to relieve the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. One beneficial pose is the upward salute, which stretches the entire body while lengthening the spine and opening the shoulders. The chair pose strengthens the legs and helps build stability, providing support to the feet. Incorporating the high lunge not only stretches the hip flexors but also engages the lower body, promoting flexibility in the feet and calves. Lastly, downward dog is excellent for stretching the calves and hamstrings while improving overall foot strength. Each of these poses encourages better alignment and flexibility, which can alleviate tension in the plantar fascia. Regular practice can enhance circulation and reduce inflammation, contributing to improved comfort and mobility for those affected by this condition. If you are suffering with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss relief strategies, which may include effective yoga stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds in diabetics often take longer to heal due to several interconnected factors. Elevated blood sugar levels can impair circulation, reducing blood flow to the extremities and hindering the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen required for healing. Additionally, diabetes can damage nerves, leading to reduced sensation in the feet, which may cause injuries to go unnoticed and untreated. Furthermore, weakened immune responses in diabetic patients can increase the risk of infections, complicating the healing process. The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment for wound recovery, making it essential for diabetics to monitor their foot health closely. Regular check-ups from a podiatrist and proactive care can significantly reduce the risk of complications. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you to manage this condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.