Foot Care & Diabetes

Q: Could I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: Nearly 25% of Veterans are diagnosed with diabetes. General risk factors for diabetes include obesity, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, and prediabetes, to name a few. However early diabetes screening allows Veterans to make changes to their lifestlye and take advantage of annual foot screenings in our offices in Blacksburg and Troutville, VA to help manage diabetes complications such as Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs).



Q: What if I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: People with diabetes have a 15-25% lifetime risk of developing a DFU, many of which are often associated with impaired blood flow and may not heal within an appropriate time frame. If you develop a DFU, immediately come to our office!

Q: Why should I seek treatment?
A: If left untreated, DFUs can become infected and may lead to serious complications. If detected and treated early, many of these complications can be averted. With the multitude of resources available to Veterans with diabetes, never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention when you become aware of a foot wound.

Don't put medical attention off! Always promote preventative care!

Would You Run A Marathon in Flip Flops?

Yeah, me neither!

It boggles my mind this man would run in flip flops, let alone 26.2 miles! He certainly achieved his goal by getting in the Guinness Book of World Records- that's for sure!



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I've seen a few patients in our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices that have run too far too soon in Five Fingers and Nike Frees get injuries. I should've praised them for not running in flip flops! Apparently, Mr. Levasseur only trained up to about 13 miles in flip flops and was in for a rude awakening for the 2nd half! The injuries he could receive from this are:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Blisters
• Fractures
• Bone Contusions
• Tendonitis
• Capsulitis
• Bursistis
• Painful Calluses

So if you take anything away from this post, it is to not run in flip flops...period.

-Dr. Kate

Arnica Pain Relief

A couple days ago in our Blacksburg office, a patient mentioned to me a cream she has been using for pain. She mentioned it even helps with bruises! I had to immediately ask the name of the cream and she said it's called Arnica and she buys it at Annie Kay's Natural Food Store in Blacksburg, VA.

I know a woman that works over there and asked her to send me some information on it. Turns out it's a best seller item and all the employees swear by it! I love learning about new products from my patients.

Here is a bit more information about the pain relief cream:

• Reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises
• Temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion and falls

If you'd like to learn more visit their website at: www.boiron.com

- Dr. Kate

Home Remedies for Foot Cramps

Have you ever heard or tried any of these home remedies before? Well, they're worth a shot! If you are experiencing a foot cramp, or more commonly called a charlie horse, try these on for size:

• A plain, original scent, brand name bar of Dove soap placed under the sheet at the end of the bed when you go to sleep at night (Grandma Stek highly recommends this!)
• Drink 6oz of tonic water before bed (Gin isn't necessary)
• Take 3 teaspoons of yellow mustard throughout the day (can be taken by the teaspoon or with food)
• Drink one cup of gatorade right before bed
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day

If you want to go extra strength, combine the tonic water and gatorade and drink right before bed!




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Now these are not guaranteed to work but again, they're worth a shot!

- Dr. Kate