05 May We’re in the latest issue of the Diabetes Wellness magazine!
We’re honoured to have been featured in the Diabetes Wellness magazine to talk about caring for your feet when you have diabetes, as well as our very own Waxeye Merino Circulation Socks! Here’s the article below:
Transcribed:
We’re honoured to have been featured in the Diabetes Wellness magazine to talk about our very own Waxeye Merino Circulation Socks. Read our article below to learn about what makes Waxeye socks different and how they were created to reduce the complications many patients with diabetes experience, why taking care of your feet is so essential for your health, and what you can do to care for your feet if you’re diagnosed with diabetes.
Happy Feet
Adam Philps is a podiatrist who runs a foot clinic in the Wairarapa. Here he explains why he developed a special sock for people with diabetes.
About 10% of our practice is made up of patients with diabetes. A large focus for us is on preventing diabetes-related ailments by identifying issues early, for example narrowing leg and foot arteries, early detection of neuropathy (changes in sensation in the foot) and high-pressure loading on the soles of the foot that can lead to ulcers. There are some excellent technological advances available that help our patients take control of their diabetes and lead active, healthy lives, and as a clinic, we constantly strive to be a world leader in our field.
I have been treating people with diabetes for nearly two decades, and I saw the need for a sock that lowered the risk of the sorts of things we sometimes see in patients – pressure points, ulcers, or, at worst, amputation.
I designed Waxeye Socks with a local manufacturer to address a number of concerns. The sock needed to reduce the risk of rubbing on the toes and they needed to be breathable – so we made them seamless and from merino wool. We also wanted a sock for our patients that didn’t leave horizontal lines running across the calf. This was achieved by changing the elastic to run longways rather than horizontally.
Your feet form the foundation of an active and healthy life and it’s our passion to help people achieve the most active lives they can, and therefore the healthiest.
Waxeye Circulation Socks are available online at www.mastertonfootclinic.co.nz
Stepping Up – Here Are Adam’s Five Top Tips For Diabetes Foot Care:
- Visit your local podiatrist at least annually. They are able to detect changes in your foot health that will save a great deal of anguish later in life.
- Self-check your feet daily. If you can’t, ask for help. If you live alone, use a mirror to see the sole of your foot.
- Stay positive. You are in control of this condition and all you need to do is ask if you need help. Start with your GP or diabetes practice nurse, or if it’s foot and ankle-related, your podiatrist can help.
- Use a moisturiser daily to keep your skin elastic and reduce the risk of breaks in the skin.
- Buy the best shoes you can afford and check they fit correctly. A simple way is to take the liner out of the shoe and note the pattern your foot makes on the insole, if it overlaps any part, it is time to replace or review.