Suitable Footwear So Essential For Neuropathy Patients

Today's post from footdrkales.com (see link below) is basically an advertisement for a Florida podiatrist, which normally we wouldn't feature on the blog but because the author gives such sensible advice and information, it's worthwhile printing here. If you're one of the majority of neuropathy patients who have foot problems and irritating or painful symptoms, you may assume that you are fully aware of your feet but it's so easy to miss problems until they become serious, especially if one of your symptoms is lack of feeling. It's worthwhile taking the advice in this article on board, after all, your feet have to carry you through the rest of your life.

Choose Footwear Carefully if You Have Neuropathy
Posted on January 29, 2016 by Denise Skerritt


Choosing footwear carefully is important for everyone no matter what age or degree of foot health. But for anyone who suffers from neuropathy, it’s essential that all footwear be sturdy and especially well-fitting.

Neuropathy is damage to the nerves. The peripheral nervous system contains all nerves not located in the brain and spinal cord. These vital nerves carry sensory and muscle nervous signals to those in the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy in the peripheral nervous system causes numbness and pain in the extremities like the hands and feet.

One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes are infections, traumatic injuries, toxin exposure and metabolic disorders. In addition to loss of sensation, neuropathy also causes tingling, burning, weakness or paralysis.

Patients with Neuropathy Must Guard Their Feet

Because neuropathy interferes with nerve signals, your feet won’t feel cold, heat or pain so you may have an injury without being aware of it.

Always protect your feet! Avoid going barefoot as even a minor sore or cut on the feet can develop an infection and then worsen into an ulcer before being spotted. Also, patients with neuropathy won’t feel the surface beneath their feet properly and so can injure themselves by falling.

Shoes for Neuropathy Must Be Both Protective and Comfortable

If you have neuropathy or diabetes, a visit to Pasco-Hernando Foot and Ankle is a good first step to choosing appropriate footwear. After a comprehensive foot exam, we’ll discuss your neuropathy with you along with any foot or ankle deformities we’ve observed.

When shopping for shoes keep these tips in mind:
Always have both feet measured each time and be sure to shop later in the day when feet are largest.

Shoes should feel comfortable right away – look for extra cushioning and soft, stretchy leather. 

Lace-up shoes are safer and sturdier and stay on your feet better than slip-ons. 

Consider shoes that are made specifically for individuals with diabetes – they are good choices for anyone with neuropathy. These shoes have plenty of room in the toe box and offer both comfort and good protection.

It’s okay for women with neuropathy to wear high heels – but only for short periods. However, if you also have a foot deformity like bunions, or have poor blood circulation, stay away from high heels.

Leave flimsy sandals in the closet – they offer little protection and the straps between the toes can cause blistering or irritation that can go unnoticed.

If You Have Neuropathy Don’t Neglect Your Foot Health

Call Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, board certified foot doctor for a complete foot exam and consultation about your neuropathy today. Reach us at our Hudson office at 727-868-2128 or our Spring Hill office at 352-683-5799, or request an appointment via the website. Dr. Kales has the right experience to help patients with neuropathy with comfortable footwear selection and expert foot care.

http://footdrkales.com/choose-footwear-carefully-if-you-have-neuropathy/