A recent study from the researcher faculty at St. George’s University of London discovered that diabetes patients with systematic disease peripheral neuropathy may be more susceptible to heart disease than diabetics without the condition. The faculty discovered this information after they observed around 13,000 type-2 diabetes patients that had never reported any cardiopulmonary problems. This information may be useful to doctors that are trying to determine the probability that a certain diabetes patient will get heart disease. “There is likely an unmet potential to reduce cardiovascular disease in this group of patients through greater monitoring and simple treatments," stated Robert Hinchliffe, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Vascular Surgery.
Systemic diseases typically affect the whole body, but they can be particularly detrimental to the heels. If a systemic disease is causing you to experience lower extremity problems, see one of our podiatrists of New Orleans Podiatry Associates. We will analyze your need for treatment and provide you with a suitable form of medical care.
Systemic Diseases and the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
â— Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
â— Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
For more information about Systemic Diseases and the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Louisiana.We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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