Expert warns diabetics to be mindful of the condition of their feet
Few people pay attention to the condition of their toes until there is a problem. However, this can be a major issue for diabetics. Because of this, one expert is warning people with type 2 diabetes and anyone else who thinks they have noticed toe deformities to talk to their doctor immediately.
A deformity can include hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, curly toes, crossover toes and bunions. Diabetes doesn't directly cause these conditions, but a person with the metabolic condition may not be aware that these deformities have happened due to decreased sensitivity in the appendage. This can lead to serious problems.
Recently, a surgeon at Northwest Orthopedic Specialists reviewed medical data regarding toe abnormalities. Khalid Shirzad reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that these deformities are generally regarded as easily treatable. However, they can also be a sign of more serious health problems. For these reasons, he recommends that individuals who notice such problems bring them up with their doctor at their next visit.
"Toe pain can limit a person's quality of life," Shirzad said. "When it hurts to walk, that person will start decreasing time spent on activities they enjoy. If the initial problem is not treated, it may lead to further issues such as skin infections, deformities and muscular problems."
He added that everyone, in particular those who are most at risk for foot and toe problems like diabetics, should think about their footwear. Choosing less restrictive styles can help limit a person's risk of developing problems.
The American Diabetes Association estimates that 60 to 70 percent individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes will at some point develop neuropathy, the nerve condition responsible for decreased sensitivity in the feet.
A deformity can include hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, curly toes, crossover toes and bunions. Diabetes doesn't directly cause these conditions, but a person with the metabolic condition may not be aware that these deformities have happened due to decreased sensitivity in the appendage. This can lead to serious problems.
Recently, a surgeon at Northwest Orthopedic Specialists reviewed medical data regarding toe abnormalities. Khalid Shirzad reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that these deformities are generally regarded as easily treatable. However, they can also be a sign of more serious health problems. For these reasons, he recommends that individuals who notice such problems bring them up with their doctor at their next visit.
"Toe pain can limit a person's quality of life," Shirzad said. "When it hurts to walk, that person will start decreasing time spent on activities they enjoy. If the initial problem is not treated, it may lead to further issues such as skin infections, deformities and muscular problems."
He added that everyone, in particular those who are most at risk for foot and toe problems like diabetics, should think about their footwear. Choosing less restrictive styles can help limit a person's risk of developing problems.
The American Diabetes Association estimates that 60 to 70 percent individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes will at some point develop neuropathy, the nerve condition responsible for decreased sensitivity in the feet.
First published on: August 3, 2011
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