Prevention is the Key!

 This concept has never been more apropos than this week when fires ravished southern California.  People with loss of feeling in their feet suffer from a condition called peripheral neuropathy.  Diabetics are very prone to it but there are at least 20 other known causes as well. Some of those include post chemotherapy, vitamin deficiency, adverse reactions to medication, infection, excessive alcohol intake and autoimmune diseases.

Pain is one of our most important defenses in letting us know that “something is wrong with our bodies”.  Since people with neuropathy can not feel their feet, injuries to the feet go unattended and can become much worse before they are discovered.  This can lead to infections, ulcers and even amputation.  Here are some preventative tips:

• Inspect your feet daily-be on the alert for blisters or irritations
• Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap
• Keep your skin soft and moisturize your feet frequently
• Cut your toenails straight across-if you have a nail problem such as a thickened or ingrown toenail see a podiatrist
• Do not acid medications to remove corns or calluses
• Make sure the shoes you wear fit properly and never go barefoot