Physical therapy specializing in foot problems The importance of a foot physical therapist for diabetic foot care.
At Fysio Fitaal, we understand that foot problems can have a major impact on your daily life. In this blog, we explain the benefits a foot physical therapist can provide for diabetic foot pain. We'll take you through how our specialized physical therapists can help you regain optimal function with fewer symptoms.
What is a diabetic foot?
A diabetic foot is an abnormality that develops in patients with diabetes mellitus. Often a diabetic foot develops years after the diagnosis is made. A diabetic foot often manifests itself through the development of foot wounds. These can occur due to reduced blood flow in the legs/foot, for example, or due to nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet and wounds and pressure spots go unnoticed. Wounds also often recover less well because the immune system works less effectively, and high blood sugar levels can delay wound repair.
Foot injuries can be treated by a medical pedicure, but medical advice from a (foot) physiotherapist or podiatrist can also be helpful. Furthermore, we see that with diabetes, the position of the foot can also change. For example, hammer or claw toes are seen more often in people with diabetes. In about 25% of diabetes patients, foot problems are diagnosed.
Complaints appropriate to a diabetic foot
Because in the long term in diabetes, blood vessels and nerves can be damaged
hit, blood flows less well through the legs and feet. This reduced vascular flow
can lead to various complaints:
- Reduced sensation in the feet: tingling, shooting pain or absence of sensation
- Reduced balance
- Increased risk of wounds and slower wound healing
- Increased risk of callus formation in the feet
- Cold feet due to decreased circulation
- Pain in the legs/feet
Complaints resulting from the position of the foot:
- Pressure spots in the foot due to modified walking pattern or improper footwear
- Complaints in the knee, hip and/or back due to changes in walking pattern
- Moving less due to pain and/or fear of falling
The role of a (foot) physical therapist in diabetic foot?
Currently, the following treatment methods are used for diabetic foot complaints from the physical therapist:
- Mobilizations of the foot to maintain normal position and mobility as much as possible
- Increase blood flow to the foot and footbed with exercises
- Training physical load capacity
The physical therapists at Physio Fitaal specialize in treating movement-related conditions. They not only help recover from injuries, but also help prevent future problems. Read all about our approach.
