Preventing Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
It is not a shoe related foot condition to be precise, although ill fitting footwear can exacerbate it. Sometimes referred to as Diabetic Feet, PAD occurs when fatty plaque accumulates inside artery walls, causing the arteries to narrow and reducing blood flow to the legs. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and people who smoke are at the greatest risk. PAD causes symptoms such as fatigue or pain in the feet and legs, foot pain that disturbs sleep and wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal.
What is more, the nerves of the feet, which affect sensation are damaged, so pain is not felt, and fungal infections and injuries can be overlooked.
That is why diabetes patient’s feet require scrupulous and constant attention.
PAD Care and Concern
- Quit smoking abd manage your diabetes and/or HBP.
- Shoes should fit snugly - not too short or too narrow. Too tight may hamper circulation. Too loose can cause trauma to the toes. The shoes should not be too hard or too soft.
- Buy shoes in the evening, after trying them on while sitting, standing and moving around.
- Fix with velcro rather than laces.
- Ask your doctor about special shoes if feet are deformed.
- Treat any foot problem professionally at once.
- Inspect the feet daily for dry ski, cracks, corns, calluses.
- Wash daily in lukewarm water (hot water may scald) with mild soap. Dry gently and thoroughly specially between toes to prevent fungal infection.
- Scrub sole with nylon dish scrubber.
- Mild talcum powder can keep the feet dry if necessary.
- Use moisturizer for dry skin.
- Cut toe nails straight across, but not overmuch; keep a sliver behind.
- Do not use corn caps or hot water bottles on your feet.
- Never walk barefoot, even at home.
- Loose cotton socks can absorb moisture, unlike nylon socks which encourage fungal infection.
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Note:
This article is submitted by guest author Rachel. She is a webmaster of weightloss pills review website. Find more information on weight loss medicines and other diet tips by her on her website itself.