Diabetic Podiatry Foot Care

High levels of blood glucose over a long period of time can result in harm to the body and its functions. In the feet, the nerves and blood supply may both be adversely affected as a result of Diabetes. Nerve damage in the feet and legs may cause a loss of sensation. Any traumas or injury to the foot, for example standing on a sharp object, may not be felt and could lead to more serious complications such as an ulcer. Diabetes can lead to a restricted blood supply in the feet and legs which may affect the ability to heal if there is an injury to the foot.

The feet may appear cold and pulses will be weak if the circulation is poor.

At KK Podiatry, we can advise on a number of different things that a person diagnosed with diabetes can do to help with their footcare needs following a diabetic foot assessment.

Podiatric acupuncture can be used in the treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathic pain. It uses traditional Chinese and western acupuncture techniques to help reduce the symptoms associated with Diabetic complication.

Diabetic Neuropathic pain (DNP) is a complication of diabetes which is the result of elevated blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time. Patients with Diabetic neuropathy pain often experience symptoms such as burning, tingling and stabbing sensations in the feet and toe. DNP is often found to be worse during periods of rest and is unrelated to increase activity.

Following an initial assessment, you will be asked to lie comfortably before sterile acupuncture needles are gently tapped into specific areas of the foot. The needles are usually left in the foot for between 20 and 40 minutes before being removed. The sensation experienced when the fine needles are inserted into the skin varies between patients, there may be momentary feeling of discomfort however in most cases patients experience little sensitivity.

Acupuncture in general works by stimulating the body’s nervous system causing neurochemical messenger molecules to be released. As a result of this biochemical changes occurs within the body, influencing the area of the body that is responsible for the regulations of a constant, stable internal environment, In relation to diabetic neuropathic pain acupuncture is believed to work the following ways:

• Reducing a patients sensitivity to stress and pain by working on the areas of the brain which are responsible for regulation of these feelings
• Stimulating an increase in the real sea of the chemical adenosine which works to reduce and individuals' sensitivity to stimuli
• Decreasing inflammation by stimulating the release fractures affecting the vascular and immune system
• Reducing muscle stiffness and improving joint mobility by increasing localised circulation which works to disperse any swelling

The benefits associated with the use of acupuncture in the treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathic pain include the following:

• A decrease in the level of pain and discomfort the patient experiences in the feet
• Improved sleep
• Improves a patient's quality of life
• Has fewer side effects the pharmaceutical methods of treatment
• Can be carried out in clinic

Whithorne House
North Street
GU29 9DH

Tel: 01730 813231 (for Midhurst clinic appointments only)