Diabetic Foot Pain & Walking

This won't come as a surprise to you we're sure but diabetic foot pain is very painful and all too common in folks living with diabetes. Getting out for an enjoyable walk is probably not at the top of your list of things to do!

You probably also know that diabetes can develop from a lack of insulin production in the body (Type 1 - hereditary) or insulin doesn't get utilized well by your body or produce enough of it. (Type 2 - adult onset - typically occurs in the obese).

You may also be asking yourself about now 'What are these guys talking about? My feet hurt like blazes. How can I walk on them at all let alone feel better?' Well...

Did You Know That...

...WALKING is very beneficial for folks with diabetes in some very special ways. Check these out:

• Walking improves your glucose level. Exercise helps your muscles absorb blood sugar and helps prevent it from building up in the bloodstream.
• Walking gives you better cardiovascular fitness and health. A very important benefit because diabetics are at increased risk of heart disease. Better heart health equals better risk management.
• Walking helps you control your weight. You burn calories. You lose weight. You reduce your health risk. You feel much better!

Isn't that great news? And more fun to think about than all that diabetic foot pain?

Hold on for just a little minute though.

Just before you head right out to get walking, there are things you need to do. And just maybe you're still wondering about all this pain you have. Very real pain. Be patient. We're getting to that in a moment.

First there's one more important step. Any ideas?

You got it!

See Your Health Care Provider!

Yup! No surprise here. It's really important you get the 'All Clear' signal from your doctor before you start any new exercise program. You need to know if it's OK to increase your activity level.

They can let you know if there are any special precautions and factors that apply to you. There are just so many ailments and variations in diabetes. Diabetic foot pain is just one of them. You need to see the professionals!

OK. You're back and your doctor has given you good directions on exercise and caring for your feet. She likely went over the issues related to Neuropathy and poor circulation in your feet. She likely also told you how really important it is to constantly care for your feet on a daily basis.

Preventing complications is essential. You can find more info in our Diabetes Foot Care section) (new window)

Also you are welcome to view and download this excellent article on Diabetes Foot Pain by Dr. Kenneth B. Rehm, DPM. ((Used with permission of the National Federation Of the Blind)

Our focus here is to help you get walking as well as you can. And as pain free as possible! You just read the special benefits for you.

Two more things are for sure.

1. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do to help improve your circulation and keep fresh blood flowing to your feet. That alone has tremendous benefit for you - faster healing of sores and lessening the frequency of those sores and calluses
2. Comfortable, properly fitted footwear is essential in combating diabetic foot pain.

For you to enjoy walking when you have very sore feet, we need to reduce that pain as much as we can! More rocket science again, right?

That leaves just one biggie to help you get walking...

Comfortable, Well Fitting Diabetic Shoes!

Proper fit, proper materials, proper orthotics are the keys. This one step can help the most to minimize and manage your pain as you walk.

The easier it is for you to walk, the better. Even a little bit of walking small step by small step is great. Soon you can start benefitting from improved glucose levels, cardiovascular health and weight control.

Here are some important features to look for in your diabetic shoes.

• High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
• Removable insoles for fitting flexibility
• Option to insert orthotics if necessary
• Rocker soles designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the ball of the foot.
• Firm Heel counters for support and stability.

When you're ready, you can have a look at Choosing The Right Diabetic Shoes For You for more detailed info.

As you find out more about orthotics, you'll come across something called Plastozote. It's the #1 material used in orthotics for protecting insensitive feet (such as diabetic feet).

It's a really neat material designed to conform to heat and pressure 'hot spots' on your foot. It provides the necessary protection and comfort you need. In fact doctors often recommend whole shoes that are made of Plastozote to help deal with diabetic foot pain>

Uncomfortable with deciding how to pick the best shoe for you? You might consider seeing a podiatrist, pedorthotist or orthotist (big words for guys that specialize in orthotics and special foot issues like diabetic foot pain). They can be really helpful people to know!

Going Forward

So you have:

• The all clear from your health professional.
• She has given you some appropriate exercises to start with.
• You're doing those exercises! Right?
• You're looking after your feet very diligently on a daily basis.
• You've found great shoes (and orthotics) that feel great, fit great and are very comfortable. (Check out Choosing Your Best Walking Shoes if you haven't done so yet!)

Good job!

Now when you feel you are ready, why not try our Fitness Walking 1 program? Go very slowly and gently with it. Do a little bit more each day when you're ready. Remember to be very diligent with your foot care all along the way.

Congratulations! You've done all that you can do to overcome as much of your diabetic foot pain as possible. Enjoy your journey! We're pulling for you.

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