Diabetic Neuropathy can have serious effects by Dr. Evan B. Kelner

  

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that affects 50 percent of people who suffer from diabetes.  Neuropathy can manifest itself as burning, tingling, pain or numbness in the feet.  Often balance is also a problem.

                         

Although the cause is not completely understood, risk factors include control of blood sugar, duration of diabetes, amount of damage to the blood vessels, smoking and diet.

                        

Neuropathy not only can affect the peripheral nerves - those in the arms and legs - but also other nerves that control blood pressure and sweating.

                        

Diabetic neuropathy may lead to devastating consequences including foot deformity, ulceration, stress fractures, and amputations.  Sixty percent of amputations are due to diabetic neuropathy.

                        

This chronic condition is extremely complicated in nature and treatment has always been a great challenge.  There have been many treatments that include drugs that target nerves, glucose and blood flow.  Also topical drugs (drugs applied to the skin), nerve blocks, antidepressant drugs, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, analgesics (pain drugs), Anodyne physical therapy, nerve decompression (surgery) and vitamins.  Still with all these treatments, there is no truly effective cure.  However, medications offer hope that diabetic neuropathy can be controlled.

                        

If you or someone you know has diabetic neuropathy, help may be within reach.

Orthotics by Dr. Evan B. Kelner

One of the most common questions that I encounter from patients who suffer from heel or arch pain (often a symptom of plantar fasciitis) is the long term solution to their painful condition.  The answer often surprises them.  For many people suffering from foot pain, orthotics are the answer they're looking for.
                    
Orthotics are devices that fit into the shoes or sneakers that correct the positional deficiency of the foot, and provide the proper position that footwear itself cannot provide.  All orthotics though, are not created equally.  Custom made orthotics are fabricated from an impression of the foot in a very specific position.  For some who's condition is not yet severe, off the shelf orthotics may adequately address the problem.  Beware however of claims of "instant custom made" orthotics such as seen in some large stores.  These orthotics are generally very overpriced for what they really are.
                     
A quality custom made orthotic will change the mechanical function of the foot. It works dynamically during weight bearing activities like walking, running and standing.  A good orthotic can prevent pain and deformities such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, corns and hammertoes.  They may even prevent surgery!
                      
Looking for a long term solution for foot pain?  Look into a good quality custom made orthotic.