Dyezeegal said:
I am newly diagnosed T2 and yet to receive advice, just got leaflets and the internet to rurn to. Have had hard dry feet for 25 years and see a chiropodist every 6 weeks to get skin removed. My problem is that I have been walking lots since diagnosed to try and aid weightloss. Never worn socks and did not know that I should. I now have pain under heel on right foot and even when I lie down with no pressure on feet they both hurt especially in that right foot. Never had this pain before. Advice please, thanks.
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Hi Dyezeegal,
I had the same problem last year, so I went to a "walk-in" :roll: physiotherapy clinic at my local hospital, and they said I was an over-pronator - my feet esp. my right foot roll inwards when I walk, and my arches had fallen somewhat. They measured me for arch supports, and I wore them constantly and the pain went away. I don't wear them most of the time now, and I power-walk for 1 hr every day. But if I start to get a twinge, I go back to wearing them for a time. They're great, sorted the pain out pretty quickly.
I think as you get older, your arches tend to flatten, (if you are overweight this may be more of a problem), so that can also cause something called plantar fascitis, with heel pain being the most troublesome symptom. Again, arch supports may help you. I would advise easing up on the walking temporarily until you get it resolved. If you are able, you could switch to swimming or another exercise, until you've resolved the problem?
As to your hard skin, I would recommend using something called Newtons Chiropody Sponge, to gently remove the rough dry skin every other day, to prevent it building up to problem levels. Once you have it under control, you may only have to use the sponge once a week. Also use a diabetic foot care cream to keep the skin smooth & moisturised. I use CCS Foot Care Cream esp. after I remove any rough skin. If you can keep up this regime, I guarantee that you will have feet to be proud of!
Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause diabetic complications which affect the circulation, and therefore feeling in your extremities, particularly your feet. Now you're diabetic, you need to take good care of your feet, and inspect them regularly for any injuries, blisters, or problem red or cracked areas, which can become infected. As diabetics don't heal as well as non-diabetics, this might make any infections more difficult to resolve.
Walking is great exercise, ( I love it!) so make sure you have good shoes/trainers - if necessary, visit a specialist sports shop who can advise on the best supportive shoes for you, and help to assess your feet for problems such as over-pronation. You might want to consider wearing socks (or trainer liner socks) for extra protection on your walks too. But, in the first instance, find out if your local hospital has a walk-in physiotherapy clinic, or ask your GP to refer you, to find out what is causing your heel pain.
Best of luck!
Elle
