Original Article: http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/inspiration_expert_advice/expert_columns/pape_dec2007.html
Last Modified Date: December 5, 2007
Inspiration And Expert Advice: Expert Columns
Double Trouble from Common Foot Problems and Diabetes - Part 2
By Joy Pape RN BSN CDE WOCN CFCN
Last month we talked about how common foot problems may not end up being so common when you have diabetes. A simple blister can be dangerous. Same with a common foot deformity called bunions. Here’s how it works. And here’s what you can do about it.
Bunions
Bunions look like a bump on your foot where your big toe joins your foot, at the base of your big toe. A bunion is a lot more than just a bump on your foot. What actually happens is your big toe angles in towards your other toes causing other foot problems. Tight fitting shoes cause bunions. High heels are the worst culprits due to their slope and narrow toe box. Genetics are also a cause, but not as strong as the tight fitting high heel shoes so many women wear. Bunions are a concern to people with diabetes because if your shoes do not allow enough room for your bunion, you can develop a blister, then a sore. (See picture from last month – Double Trouble From Common Foot Problems.)
Bunion problems
Inflammation – Bunions become painful as the shape of your foot changes and the angle of your big toe towards the others becomes more prominent. This causes inflammation. Classic signs of inflammation are pain, redness, swelling, and heat. You can have inflammation either with or without shoes on.
Hammertoes – A bunion can cause development of hammertoes in your other toes. Hammertoes are common in people with diabetes. Hammertoes can cause pressure on your toes, which cause more pain. Hammertoes can also cause blisters if you do not have enough room in your shoes. I will write more on hammertoes next month.
Bunion Treatment
Wear shoes that fit! This doesn’t mean you have to wear big ugly shoes but shoes with a wide enough toe box. Avoid high heels. Check out adaptive shoe gear recommended by your podiatrist or certified pedorthist.
Surgery is recommended when you don’t get relief from wearing shoes that fit or from adaptive devices. Remember, if you have surgery you have increased risk for poor healing….
Which brings us back to…Prevention is the best treatment for foot problems. Wear shoes that fit. Manage your diabetes for healthy feet and toes forever.
And…EnJOY!
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