Neuropathy and Diabetes
Left, left, left, right, left! Forward march! Your feet are one of the most overworked parts of your body. Whether you are overweight, underweight or exactly the right size, your feet take a lot of pressure, and quite often, abuse. For the diabetic senior there are a variety of health concerns, and one of the most common is foot complications as related to neuropathy.
“So what is neuropathy?” you ask. Simply defined, it is nerve damage. Neuropathy is often the result when your blood glucose levels have been elevated for a number of years. Beginning signs of Diabetic senior foot complications have been found in 20% of the people who are diagnosed as Type 2 diabetics and it is frequently how the Diabetes is discovered. (Conversely, there are many senior diabetics who have neuropathic foot complications, but do not experience any discomfort whatsoever). Diabetic senior foot neuropathy can manifest itself in a variety of ways—tingling, burning, prickling and slight pressure (i.e. having a blanket over their feet). As the foot neuropathy progresses, the pain quite often goes away; however, this only means that the nerve endings are dead—not that it has healed. For the senior diabetic these are foot complications of a more drastic type. Without feeling pain, you will be unaware of problems like splinters, ingrown toe nails, and calluses which can turn into ulcers resulting in an even greater problem for a diabetic.
There are 3 main types of senior Diabetes neuropathy—peripheral (also known as distal symmetric polyneuropathy), focal neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. It is also important to note that they can all be prevented by maintaining your blood glucose level, exercise and healthy habits. So what exactly do the 3 types of neuropathy affect?
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Description of Senior Diabetes Neuropathy Complications  |
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Type |
Description |
| Peripheral | Felt as sharp pain, burning, tingling, and weak muscles. In diabetic senior foot neuropathy maintenance of BG levels and exercise are often prescribed along with an oral medicine. Some sufferers use a cream containing capsaicin which works well also. |
| Focal | Related to carpal tunnel syndrome; but generally not permanent |
| Autonomic | Affects the involuntary muscles in the body—stomach, bladders, skin, heart, blood pressure, etc |
In times past, diabetic senior foot complications often resulted in amputation. However, thanks to extensive studies by specialist at Boston Medical Center, the amputation rate has significantly decreased from 30% in the 1980’s to only 4% in the 1990’s. Part of this success is credited to early detection and being vigilant in routine self examination. At the first sign of redness, blisters, corns, a scratch, ingrown toenails, etc. you need to begin treatment-immediately!The diabetic senior foot neuropathy known as peripheral neuropathy is not unusual. It can affect the nerve messages to the brain for lower limbs. Consequently, the muscles can weaken until they are no longer useful resulting in difficulty in walking. Ultimately, senior Diabetes foot neuropathy can cause poor balance and can even cause foot deformity. Senior Diabetes foot neuropathy, though common, can be prevented. But, it is up to you to put your best foot forward by taking time to eat healthy, get enough exercise and take care of your feet.
Tags: diabetic senior foot complications, diabetic senior foot neuropathy, senior diabetes neuropathy, senior diabetic foot complications, senior diabetics
