How to Alleviate Diabetic Foot Pain

Diabetic foot pain, often the result of neuropathy or nerve damage, is a common problem among diabetic patients. Not only is foot pain common, it can become quite serious, leading to complications and a range of bacterial and fungal infections. When there is a lack of feeling, these problems can go undetected. In the worst case, slow-healing wounds, dry skin and even ulcers left untreated can lead to amputation. For these reasons; it is important to address any problems affecting your feet if you have diabetes.

Wear proper fitting shoes

Taking good care of your feet starts with proper fitting shoes.  Shoes that fit properly will keep what otherwise would be small problems, such a blisters and calluses, from turning into serious ones.  When buying shoes: [1]

• Avoid pointed toes and high heeled shoes.

• Pass up on sandals, flip-flops and other open-toed shoes since straps can put pressure on your foot and cause blisters and sores. Open-toed shoes can result in cuts.

• When it comes to fit, remove the shoe’s insole, if you can. Your foot should fit comfortably on top of it with no overlap

Socks Should Improve Circulation

The right socks can be as important in controlling diabetic foot pain as shoes. Socks for diabetic foot pain can help to decrease the risk of foot injury, increase blood flow to the lower extremities, and keep feet dry.

Keep fit

Keeping fit will also affect the health of your feet. Start with your diet, since you want to be sure to watch your sugar intake. Regularly exercise to help improve your circulation, immune function and your overall health. If pain keeps you from exercising, try a low-impact exercise such as Yoga, which will improve your balance and flexibility.[2]

Massage may help

A review of studies looked at the effect of massage on diabetes and found that massage may result in a decrease in blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and improve neuropathic pain and diabetic foot ulcer. The researchers concluded that massage therapy can affect the clinical and laboratory symptoms and complications of diabetic neuropathy. However, various conditions such as the quality, pressure level and duration, as well as the number of sessions, the type of massage, and the psychophysical state of patients can change the results of massage therapy.[3]

Also, foot massage may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. A 2015 study found that Thai foot massage helped balance performance, range of motion of the foot, and the foot sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.[4]

Other daily year-round skin care tips to avoid foot pain

• Check your feet daily.
• Put feet up when sitting
• Trim nails carefully and treat corns and bunions with special care.
• Avoid extreme hot and cold on your feet.
• Take short lukewarm baths or showers and try not to scrub too hard when bathing or showering. Use a gentle cleanser. Don’t rub skin; blot it dry.
• Use mild soaps. Fragrance free soaps to avoid irritations.
• Make sure to dry your skin everywhere after washing. Dry well patting gently.
• Use a humidifier during winter to add moisture back into the air.
• Moisturize your skin. Best to moisturize right after shower or bath to lock water into your skin.

EASE-Z

For moisturizing consider EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. It was developed specifically to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The over-the-counter offerings uniquely feature active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect.  It’s unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Learn more about Ease-Z. Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream.

[1] DiLonardo, Mary Jo, “Shoes and Diabetes: What’s On Your Feet Matters,” WebMD, May 18, 2021 https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/shoes-and-diabetes

[2] Best Reviews Staff, “10 Ways to Alleviate Diabetic Foot Pain,” WPRI.com, March 17, 2021. https://www.wpri.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/home-diagnostics-br/10-ways-to-alleviate-diabetic-foot-pain/

[3] Davood Bayat, Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi, Mahmoud Parham, Akram Mehrandasht, Mamak Hashemi and Kamran Mahlooji6, Majid Asghari, The Effect of Massage on Diabetes and its Complications: A Systematic Review, January 2020. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338236398_The_Effect_of_Massage_on_Diabetes_and_its_Complications_A_Systematic_Review

[4] Chatchawan U, Eungpinichpong W, Plandee P, Yamauchi J. Effects of thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: a randomized parallel-controlled trial. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2015;21:68-75. Published 2015 Apr 20. doi:10.12659/MSMBR.894163. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4416467/