When we think about our health and ways to sustain it, things like our heart, liver, kidneys, etc. immediately come to mind. What we often forget to account for, and thus neglect, are our feet – the very foundation that keeps us moving. We’ve grown accustomed, as a society, to getting up, slipping our feet into a pair of shoes, and going about our day for 8-12 hours, before ultimately letting our feet breathe again. If you take a moment to think about it – it’s our feet, and the shoes that cover them, that keep us up, mobile and active for the majority of our waking lives. Thus, it’s no surprise that the wellbeing and function of our feet is as important to our health (and movement) as just about anything else. That’s where podiatrists come in.

Feet come in all different shapes and sizes. When you mix in all the different foot ailments, bunions, hammertoes, edema, etc., it can be tough to find a pair of shoes that properly fit a patient, especially if they are diabetic.

This week we are going to review how to properly cast a patient using an impression foam box for custom diabetic insoles. Casting patients is incredibly important, because it allows us here at Anodyne to make the best possible inserts for your patients. Below is a step by step breakdown on how to properly take a foot impression.

Typically, the type of patient that requires a toe filler is high risk. You must take extreme care in providing and monitoring the device to ensure that it’s properly accommodating their amputation, and not causing any further foot complications. Once dispensed, it is essential that you phone the patient two to three times the first week to check on the condition of their foot/feet. It is also recommended to have a face-to-face follow-up appointment 10 to 14 days from the date the diabetic shoes and toe filler are dispensed.

This week we are going to focus on properly fitting A5512 heat moldable inserts. This process is not super difficult, but is extremely important in ensuring the best possible fit for your patient. Below is a step by step breakdown in how to do so.

Held March 28, 2017, American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a day to sound the alarm about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in American adults by asking America to take the American Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. The free, anonymous risk test is available online or via a one-sided handout, and only takes a minute to complete. With questions such as "Do you have a family history of diabetes" and "Are you physically active," participants can learn if they’re at risk for type 2 diabetes in 60 seconds.

Knowing what the problem is, is only the beginning. Finding the solution is the key. Below is a list of some of the most common foot problems, and our suggestions for the appropriate treatment -

Athlete’s Foot:

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that likes warm, dark, and moist environments (like the areas between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet). Athlete’s foot can inflame the skin and cause a white, scaly rash with a red base. The athlete’s foot fungus also causes itching, burning, peeling, and sometimes a slight odor. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays can be used to treat athlete’s foot. However, if these remedies do not work, you may need to see a podiatrist and ask about prescription-strength medication.

You can throw this roast in a low-temperature oven roasting pan early in the afternoon, then go run errands and have dinner waiting when you get home! These few ingredients create a sensational gravy that’s great over brown rice or barley.

Amount:

14 servings/serving size: 4 ounces beef plus 1/2 cup vegetables

Ingredients:

1 (4-pound) beef sirloin tip roast, trimmed of fat

6 cloves garlic, sliced or 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Food for thought. No. Food for feet! This week I’m going to spotlight how a few different foods can actually affect the health of your feet in a positive way. Check out some of these basic foods below that will actually improve the quality of your feet moving forward.

There are many components to proper management of type 1 diabetes. It’s a lifelong commitment that requires extreme diligence and almost constant awareness. Here are 7 life hacks for dealing with the daily struggles of living with type 1 diabetes.

1. Keep a travel-size bottle of hand cream in your purse, brief case, or backpack. Dry skin is an irritating side effect of diabetes, but moisturizing often can help eliminate the itch.