Are you a Diabetic?
Foot Care is Important! PROvIDED BY DR. STEIN
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o you want to avoid serious foot problems that can lead to a toe, foot, or leg amputation? It’s all about taking good care of your feet and wearing the proper foot gear. This is why most insurances will reimburse for diabetic shoe gear. Foot care is very important for every person with diabetes, but especially if you have: • Loss of feeling in your feet • Changes in the shape of your feet • Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. You may not feel a pebble inside your sock that is causing a sore. You may not feel a blister caused by poorly fitting shoes. Foot injuries such as these can cause ulcers, which may lead to amputation. There is a lot you can do to prevent serious problems with your feet. Here’s how. You may have serious foot problems, but feel no pain. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. Find a time (evening is best) to check your feet each day. Make checking your feet part of your everyday routine. If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to help. You also can ask a family member or caregiver to help you. Make sure to call your health care team right away if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not begin to heal after one day If you have corns and calluses, check with your doctor or podiatrist about the best way to care for them. Do not cut corns and calluses. Don’t use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn and callus removers — they can damage your skin. Have a Podiatrist trim your toenails if you can’t see well, if you cannot reach your feet, if your toenails are thick or yellowed, or if your nails curve and grow into the skin. Trim toenails straight across and smooth them with an emery board or nail file. Do not cut into the corners of the toenail. Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot – not even indoors – because it is easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Always wear socks, stockings, or nylons with your shoes to help avoid blisters and sores. Check the insides of your shoes before you put them on to be sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in them. Check your feet often in cold weather to avoid frostbite. Shoes are made all over the world so shoe sizes are not always the same. Be sure to purchase shoes toward the end of the day when your feet swell. Proper footwear is very important for preventing serious foot problems. This is why most in-
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Community Magazine
surance reimburse for diabetic foot wear. These shoes look like normal shoes, but have more room in them. The extra room allows for different shaped feet and toes. When buying shoes, make sure they are comfortable from the start and have enough room for you to wiggle your toes. Don’t buy shoes with pointed toes or high heels. They put too much pressure on your toes. Ask Dr. Stein whether you qualify and would benefit from the use of the Diabetic shoes, to help prevent foot problems. You may be able to get the cost of shoes or inserts paid for by your insurance. Dr. Stein is offering a FREE consultation, so call today at 732.888.0110. Information courtesy of National Diabetes Education Program
32nd Annual Red Bank CROP Walk
The Red Bank Crop Walk continues their 4th decade of raising funds to feed their hungry neighbors with their 32nd hunger walk! The Red Bank CROP Hunger Walk is a 5-Mile Walk/Run to raise funds to fight hunger in Monmouth County, New Jersey and around the world. Food collection, music, banner/ poster contest and funfamily activities make it a great way to help those in need. Join your friends, family and neighbors as we walk to end hunger one step at a time! The walk is Sunday, October 21, registration begins at 1:00 p.m. and the walk begins at 2:00 p.m. Red Bank CROP Walk, one of almost a 100 Hunger Walks in New Jersey, is the state’s largest and most successful walk. Of over 1,600 CROP hunger walks in the United States, the Red Bank CROP Walk is honored to be considered the largest all volunteer Hunger Walk in the country! For more information, or how to help, email redbankcropwalk@gmail.com.