Alternative Treatment for Foot Care in Diabetes

Diabetes causes a host of complications, one of which is decreased circulation. This can lead to problems with the feet, including neuropathy (nerve damage) and even amputation. Controlling blood sugar and taking certain measures to address foot care directly are imperative. The University of Maryland Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Andrew Weil, an avid supporter of alternative medicine, offer several suggestions concerning natural treatments for diabetes. Discuss any supplements with your doctor before using them. Consulting with a practitioner experienced in alternative medicine is a great way to design a natural treatment strategy.

Addressing Neuropathy

• Diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy in the feet. Acupuncture and reflexology have proven helpful as courses of treatment. Acupuncture, a form of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, seeks to correct imbalances with the use of thin needles placed in certain parts of the body. The practitioner might then move them around or stimulate them with gentle heat or electricity. This is supposed to correct the energy imbalances that contributed to the problem. Reflexology involves stimulating certain parts of the feet and legs with the fingers. This can help relieve pain.

  Alpha-lipoic acid and the B vitamins are essential to nerve health. Dr. Weil recommends starting off with 200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily and generally increasing to 1,000 mg daily over the course of a couple of months. You can get all the B vitamins in their proper amounts by taking a B-vitamin complex pill once a day.

Controlling Blood Sugar

• Certain herbs, like GTF chromium, bitter melon, prickly pear cactus, gymnema, American ginseng and cinnamon, may control blood sugar. A physician experienced in using natural supplements can suggest the appropriate dosages. Consider taking a fiber supplement as well if you are not getting adequate amounts in your diet.

General Suggestions for Diabetic Foot Care

• Clean your feet every day with lukewarm water and gentle soap. Dry thoroughly, particularly between the toes. Keep your feet moisturized with lanolin lotion or other types of cream. See your doctor if you notice any cracks in your skin. Do not walk around barefoot. Do not allow your feet to become too hot or cold. Always wear socks with your shoes. Do not wear sandals or shoes with open toes or shoes that are too tight or would impair circulation like high heels or shoes with pointy toes. Wear socks and stockings that extend half an inch longer than your longest toe. Stay away from nylon, stretch socks and socks with elastic bands.