Footwear and foot care; prevent diabetic foot ulcer and falls

When Should You Worry About Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Falls?

If you have diabetes, you should know about the risk of ulcers, foot injuries, and falls. In the event of a foot ulcer or other foot injury, the problem can potentially worsen and lead up to surgery and even the loss of toes, the whole foot, or more. Another condition that can develop with diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. If you have this condition, the risk of falling increases significantly. This is why it’s imperative to manage your diabetes properly and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. The Active Foot Store can help you prevent and treat these ailments to avoid having severe complications with your feet and legs.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers and open wounds are common conditions in diabetic patients. If you’re wondering what causes ulcers, you’re in the right place. About 15% of diabetic patients will develop ulcers, foot wounds, and complications related to both. If you do not monitor and control your blood sugar levels, you are more prone to develop these conditions. With uncontrolled blood sugar levels, your circulation will be very poor. The best ways to prevent diabetic ulcers in your feet are through general diabetes management, proper toenail and foot care, and regular examinations.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetic Falls

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition where the patient loses the feeling in the infected foot and leg. This increases the risk of falling for sufferers of this condition. Even though falling is not as much of a concern for patients with diabetes, you should still be aware of the risks of falling.

Falls in the elderly are what most people think of when referencing falling. However, if you do fall, then you can become more susceptible to injuries and complications resulting from that as well. With neuropathy, you also cannot feel the difference between the types of ground or flooring you’re walking on. So, you have to be even more careful of where and how you walk to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Even walking barefoot in your home can be dangerous.

Preventing Injury and Complications With Your Feet From Diabetes

Most diabetic patients know why these conditions can develop just from receiving instructions from their doctors regarding their diagnosis. These medical problems occur due to a lack of proper circulation in the legs and feet. In addition to regular diabetes maintenance, you should wash your feet and toes daily in water that is less than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This is critical to prevent burns, especially if you have neuropathy and cannot feel the heat on your feet. Here is a list of proactive steps to avoid ulcers and open wounds.

• Completely dry your feet after washing them.
• Keep your feet moisturized, except for your toes.
• Keep your toenails groomed properly.
• Wear high-quality socks to avoid blisters.
• Avoid direct heat to your feet, like that of a heating pad.
• Attend regular examinations with your podiatrist or family doctor.
• Wear proper footwear to protect your feet from scrapes and cuts.

Proper Footwear

At The Active Foot Store, we can provide a variety of foot care services, like expert shoe fitting and custom orthotic inserts. For those who are not local in California to The Active Foot Store, you should seek advice from your podiatrist or family doctor regarding which shoes to buy and wear for your conditions. Falls from wearing improper footwear are unnecessary and preventable. As noted previously, going barefoot can even cause serious problems. Also, you should take care if you have neuropathy since you’re unable to feel the difference in surfaces beneath your feet.

Treatment of Wounds

Even if you are very careful to avoid getting blisters, ulcers, and open wounds, you still may get them regardless. It’s essential that you ensure proper care of any wounds on your feet. Keep them clean and sanitized. If needed, make sure you regularly change any wound dressings with fresh, sterile bandages. Even a small blister from a new pair of shoes requires proper care and treatment to prevent infections or other health complications. Ensure you don’t treat even minor wounds yourself. Instead, pay a visit to your podiatrist to prevent more significant injuries from developing.

If you have diabetes and other serious health concerns regarding your feet, proper care and treatment are essential to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and other foot complications. Remember that even walking barefoot is not good to maintain the health of your feet. Instead, you should seek professional advice from your podiatrist or family doctor. Custom orthotic inserts and proper shoe fitting are also vital in maintaining the health of your feet. The Active Foot Store can provide expert shoe fitting and help find the right custom orthotics for you.

Debbie McDaniel

09:38 22 Oct 18

The staff were wonderful, very patient and helpful with selecting a proper pair of shoes. Even when I had an issue with a pair of shoes I bought weeks later, the store realized the issue was a manufacturing defect and promptly reordered another pair. I also tried their medical foot spa which was a an awesome experience. The nail technician was very friendly and knowledgeable and welcoming. 5 ðŸŒŸ service all around. Highly recommend active foot store in San Diego.

Ivy Bell

10:05 15 Oct 18

Life Changing! I have struggled for over 15 years with a foot problem. I was referred to Connie at your Costa Verde location. Connie used a process to map my feet. It took a few weeks to adjust to the orthotics but it has been worth it. I have been pain free for about 4 months now. But that's just the start of the story. I have been able to return back to walking and exercises. I've lost over 20 lbs, lowered my A1c(blood sugar), lowered my Blood Pressure, and overall increased my health! I have been able to do things that I haven't been able to do in over 15 years. If that's not life changing, I don't know what else to call it. Oh, and today, I ordered two more sets to be built so I can rotate them. Thank you so much, Connie and Dr Cruse

Donna Speth

12:15 28 Sep 18

Thank you Dr. Reingold and all your staff, I appreciate your incredible patience and support. This whole process was so important to my quality of life. I never knew until now how important it is to have happy feet!!I didn't put it together how my feet could make my hip and back hurt, so all this time I was treating the symptom vs. the cause. I'm so grateful that you helped me work it all out!!

Tan Ripplinger

09:37 13 Aug 18

My podiatrist recommended the store well over eight years ago. I was fitted with orthotics to aid in my foot fuss that consists of bunions and hammer toes. I then have bought only quality shoes with good support from Active Foot Store. I had an additional pair of orthotics made and have never looked back. My job requires me to be on my feet, sometimes on concrete for up to 8 hours a day. I have happy feet and this translates to a happy employee. The staff have always been friendly. Connie, Pert and Katherine have always treated me with respect. Their concern is for my comfort and I truly appreciate that.

Keri Bryant

11:22 17 Aug 18

I went to Active Foot Store on the advice from my Kaiser podiatrist. I have foot fuss. This includes bunions and hammer toes. I was fitted for orthotics and have never looked back. This was well over eight years ago. Since then, I have had an additional pair of orthotics made and have only worn the high quality shoes that Active Foot Store sells. They provide support and are stylish as well. I remember the doctor comparing my feet to the tires on my car - meaning that we need to change out our shoes far more frequently than we think. He was absolutely correct. I have happy feet all the time. The staff are very pleasant and I highly recommend Active Foot Store for anyone who takes the care of their feet seriously. They are professional, courteous and even have a sense of humor to boot.

Howard Narin

21:54 05 Jun 23

I went to the store to look for shoes that could help with my Achilles tendonitis. When I asked the woman who was up front what would be a good shoe for this condition she looked at me cluelessly and said let me go to the back to ask someone. She came out and picked up a pair of shoes and said this one would work. When I asked her why this shoe was good for tendinitis she again had no idea. She said let me go to the back again but I told her not to bother. It was not this poor girl's fault but she is working in an orthopedic footwear store and knrww literally nothing about orthopedic footwear. Walmart would definitely be a better place to buy orthopedic shoes

Master Dawson

05:22 17 Sep 22

I wear an AFO and needed a deep wide shoe to accommodate the brace. They didn't have my size but the man who helped me tried his best to help me. He showed me multiple shoes, have me info on the spa and said he would order me the color and size I needed It was my first time there and it was a good experience. I did not know there was a foot spa there. I have been through so many shoes trying to find the right ones to work with my brace. I believe I found the right store. Just wish they had my size, I would of definitely purchased a pair. Shoes are pricey but I expect that for specialty shoes.

Dan Hammang

22:23 04 May 23

I I purchased a pair of shoes. I was helped by BABEY. He was very professional and helpful. It’s great to have a store that helps with shoes that are not of the ordinary kind. I highly recommend the store.

Randy F

21:14 25 Apr 23

4/25/23 Still coming to this place for all my shoe needs and they never disappoint.. they've helped give my life back.. and continue to provide excellent support as I need replacement shoes.. 👟 thank you active care foot store for everything you have done.. I will continue to come back to you for all my shoe needs.. You've got my 100% trust No questions asked... -------------------------------------- Original review 4 years ago.. The best shoe store I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with both the doctor and the staff are always very friendly and helpful😊 I currently deal with severe osteoarthritis end-stage meaning bone on bone in my foot & leg as well as neuropathy due to a severe dislocation and therefore have to wear a brace. I also got a custom orthotic for my Good foot due to the fact that I now compensate on my good foot so much.. they made both my brace for my bad foot and the orthotic for my Good foot.. and thanks to them I am able to actually walk again without insane pain or discomfort.. this place is good if you simply need a shoe or if you need a professional orthotic to help you get back on your feet.. the staff here always seem happy to bend Head over heels to help their customers get the best shoe for their needs.. The shoe prices are a little expensive however you have to understand they are not New balance which is a well-known shoe company I used to use and my shoes always wore out too quick.. well the shoes I buy from the active Care foot store have lasted me years which is very impressive considering the amount of stress and strain I put on the shoes due to the brace. So in the end I end up spending less 😉. Thank you Active Foot Spa for all the wonderful customer service and giving me back the ability to walk comfortably at least for a little bit 😋 haha

Lisa Matt

03:51 04 Nov 20

I was referred to the Active Foot Store by my podiatrist well over 10 years ago. I was warmly received by Connie and fitted with a great pair of supportive work shoes. Dr. Reingold was so informative about my foot challenges and I remember him asking me on that first visit whether I would drive my car with bald tires and feel safe. Of course, I said no. He then looked at the soles of my shoes that I had on and said I was doing my feet an injustice. His analogy has stuck with me and I have to say that I am now blessed with happy feet. Everything is better when you have happy feet. I have continued to utilize their professional services and bought several pairs of shoes over the years. In addition, I just had a wonderful medical pedicure massage by Daniel and my feet are bordering on ecstatic. Everything they do is superb - very personal and helpful.