One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is nerve damage, known as diabolic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a degeneration of the nerves in the feet resulting in loss of sensation. This is a slow but progressive problem. It poses many risks for infection, injury, and wounds.
Diabetic with neuropathy need to take special care to examine their feet daily, keep them well moisturized, wear properly fitted shoes, and avoid going barefoot.
Treatments begin with well controlled blood sugar, healthy diet, exercise, and good hygine. More severe cases require oral medications which do not cure the problem but can mask the symptoms. These medications do not come with serious side effecrs and need to be take only in extreme cases.
Scientists have shown that weight loss in obese patients in many cases can restore their blood sugars to normal, and remove the need to take medicine. In light of the recent controversy with some diabetic medications, AVANDIA in particular, natural weight loss seems to be a smart choice.
Lots of people have used Quinine as a remedy for leg cramps. The FDA has recently cautioned against its use, warning that the drug could cause severe side effects, including death. Quinine is not for sale in the United States but can be found as an over the counter drug in many countries.
A recent study in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, showed that high-energy shock wave was as effective at healing slowly or poorly healing fractures as surgical repair. The advantage is that it is non-invasive and had less complications. Surgical repair has a high risk for infection and or screw irritation.
March 4th I attended the 14th annual scientific session of the Council for Nail Disorders, which coin-sided with the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Miami. The meeting brought 62 physicians, 60 dermatologists and 2 podiatrists from all over the globe.
The subject matter presented was cutting edge from the world's most re-owned experts. Topics included nail tumors, reviews and update on recent literature and research involving the nails, nail surgery and nail pathology including onychomycosis (Fungal infections)
Take away points
- Diagnosis and treatment of nail tumors is under diagnosed
- A correlation between fungus from the toenails and fingernails
- Use of combination of urea and anti fungal topical creams prevent recurrence.
- Presence of yeast, hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet) and smoking inhabits a patients cure.
- Laser (near infrared) treatment very promising in treating fungal infections.
- Laser (near infrared) also promising for treating psoriatic nails.
- Recurrent infections should be biopsied to rule out malignancy.
The meeting was very insightful and beneficial. I look forward to continual participation with the Council on future studies and research.
