(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 20, 2009 ) Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Chris Milkie, of Mayfair Foot Clinic, explains "If you suffer from foot pain and are diabetic, you may be wondering if the two are connected. This foot pain can be of various degrees. For some people the pain is mild. For others the foot pain is so intense and painful that it limits them from doing many of their daily activities, such as walking and even driving. Foot pain is very individual."

For some people, symptoms of neuropathy develop before diabetes is ever diagnosed. Neuropathy is defined as nerve damage caused by diabetes. If peripheral nerves are damaged, this is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. This is commonly seen with the diabetic foot as nerves in the feet and lower leg are often affected. Sometimes just one nerve may be damage; this is called focal neuropathy and may also affect the foot. The difference between the two is that focal neuropathy occurs quickly awhile peripheral neuropathy gets worse over time.

It has been found that high blood sugars over time may damage nerves which results in neuropathy. A diabetic who has high blood sugars and drinks a lot of alcohol also increases their chance of nerve damage. With age, about half the people who are diabetic may eventually develop neuropathy. Take note of how your feet feel currently. The damage usually gets worse over time. Comprehensive foot care is vital.

Here are some descriptions of the pain you might be suffering from:

• You may feel in your toes or balls of your feet a sensation much like tingling, prickling or burning. This pain travels upward through the feet and legs.
• You may also experience a sensation like electricity going through your feet. For many who suffer with this, they identify that the pain is worse at night than during the day.
• You may also experience extreme sensitivity to very light touch. For some people with neuropathy, even putting on socks and shoes can be very painful.
• While you might not consider this experiencing pain, take note of numbness or the lack of sensation in your feet. This is very important and can result in lots of complications for an individual with a diabetic foot.
Foot pain should be taken seriously and should not be ignored. Diabetic neuropathy is a very serious complication of diabetes.

Dr. Milkie concluded "Work closely with your doctor and take charge of your health. It is important to remember that you can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with good blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle. This should be your first line of defense. Once you have the foot pain, you need to be your own advocate. Talk with other diabetics who have found relief. Work closely with your doctor, and/or your podiatrist to find the treatment that best fits your feet."

Visit Dr. Chris Milkie's blog at http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com/blog/ for more information on prescription orthotics, and many other treatments to relieve foot and ankle conditions, or to get information on the newest, and highly successful laser treatment for toenail fungus.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Milkie, or to learn more about Mayfair Foot Clinic, visit http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com/

Contact Information:
Mayfair Foot Clinic
Dr. Chris Milkie
Tel: 414-257-0676
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