Metabolic Health, Routine Care, and Wounds: What You Need to Know
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, in particular. Here at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, we wish more people knew about the condition; if they did, they might not suffer from additional complications in the first place.
The good news? While you may not always notice the symptoms of a chronic ailment, your feet can offer important clues about your overall health. Even better, routine foot and ankle care has been strongly correlated with improved outcomes for those with diabetes and related conditions, helping them to prevent serious concerns such as foot ulcers or possible amputations.
For this blog post, we’ll be informing folks about the underlying concerns behind metabolic syndrome and diabetes, with follow-up tips to help those affected manage their condition and maintain their health.
Foot Problems as Signs of Metabolic Syndrome
Dr. Dan Michaels, DPM, explains that foot problems can be a sign of metabolic syndrome:
- “Insulin resistance, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels can damage the nerves and vessels of the lower extremities, leading to peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease.”
If you’re experiencing pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, it’s essential to schedule a visit with your podiatrist. These symptoms could indicate underlying metabolic issues.
Diabetes and Foot Health: A Critical Connection
Diabetes is a public health crisis in the US, and unfortunately, prevention methods and maintenance techniques are often neglected. Dr. Michaels emphasizes the importance of both early detection and prevention, asserting:
- “Daily maintenance, care, and attention to detail are crucial. This includes wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding going barefoot, and practicing proper foot hygiene.”
People with diabetes should inspect their feet daily to identify any potential issues early on while controlling blood sugar levels is vital for preventing foot problems. As a chronic and complex disease affecting both the circulatory and the nervous system, diabetes even has connections to mental health issues like depression, making vigilance particularly important.
Since moisture and nerve complications can combine to create an increased risk for diabetics with sweaty feet, shoes matter, and so does the right pair of socks. Dr. Michaels recommends choosing moisture-wicking materials, such as polyester blends and wool:
- “These fabrics help keep feet dry and comfortable. Wool, in particular, is an excellent choice for sweaty feet. It’s temperature-regulating and has naturally breathable fibers that wick away moisture. While moisture-wicking socks may be slightly more expensive, they’re a worthwhile investment for foot health.”
The Myth of “Breathable” Wounds
A common misconception in chronic wound care, particularly crucial for diabetics, is that wounds need to “breathe.” Dr. Michaels debunks this myth, explaining that wounds actually heal better in a moist environment:
- “Our body’s cells thrive in a moist, watery environment. Exposing wounds to air dries out living cells, hindering their ability to reproduce and build new tissue. Keeping wounds covered promotes healing and prevents complications.”
Take Care and Stay Prepared
Your feet can provide valuable insights into your overall health, so don’t ignore what they’re telling you and let a podiatrist help out. Some analyses even suggest that eliminating the low-cost preventative services podiatrists provide to diabetic patients would lead to a $48 increase in hospitalization charges for each $1 dollar saved, so a foot and ankle expert can help you out in more ways than one!
If anything goes amiss despite your best efforts, we’re always available to step in and help. Like Dr. Michaels always says:
“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC offers comprehensive podiatric services! Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
