How can specialist insoles help relieve the symptoms of diabetes & neuropathy, by improving circulation ?
By wearing thick shoes and walking on hard, flat surfaces, the muscles of our feet become weak, or dormant, which results in;
- atrophy (muscle weakness) and
- reduced blood flow to and from our feet.
How should our feet help circulation?
Our feet are of course designed by nature to react to the ground beneath us on every step. The muscles and tendons on the sole of our feet should stretch as we land to absorb shock, then recoil and contract as we push off, creating a pumping action which ensures efficient blood circulation, as well as safe and efficient movement. Additionally, every time your foot strikes the ground thousands of sensory nerves on the soles of our feet should be stimulated to help with;
- circulation
- balance
- spatial awareness
- efficient movement
Unfortunately many types of shoes stop this natural function and it’s not always possible, sensible or advisable to go barefoot. Shoes, by style, shape and function often reduce the ability of the foot to work efficiently, creating many foot related problems and circulatory conditions. However, it’s clear we need to wear shoes help protect our feet against;
- unsafe surfaces
- adverse weather conditions
- injuries in our sports and daily activities
- and to ensure safety in the workplace
How can we help our feet function well when wearing shoes?
It’s actually really simple, a Canadian company called Barefoot Science have found an intelligent solution to an age old problem;
https://barefoot-science.com/blogs/reports/diabetic-feet-and-how-barefoot-science-can-help
They have created an insole unlike any other insole at all. One that actually exercises your feet while they are in your shoes. Not only does it feel incredible, but it is the easiest form of exercise you will ever do, strengthening your feet on every step.
Be assured, this is not a gimmick, Barefoot Science has tested their insoles using many forms of high tech gait or balance testing system, and on every occasion the gait data shows improvements in step length and contact time symmetry, better balance, increased muscle activation, and therefore improved circulation.
Barefoot Science insoles is a 7-level progressive exercise program, where, just like going to the gym or having a personal trainer you will safely and steadily strengthen your feet and improve your foot function and circulation. In fact, it is impossible that you will go through the levels and still have weak, atrophied or flat feet.
YOUR retrained foot muscles will become a much more efficient pump, increasing circulation.
Click the link below to read one of the most respected studies in blood return from the foot. It concludes;
“This venous pump of the human foot is the first step in venous return from the lower extremity to the heart. The calf pumping mechanism, produced by contraction of the soleus muscle and of the gastrocnemius muscle, then takes over.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/40444417_The_Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_the_Venous_Foot_Pump
Diabetes, Neuropathy & Cold Feet
If you (or someone you know & love) has diabetes, then we have good news for you so keep reading!
- The stats about diabetic neuropathy, foot amputation and mortality are scary!
- You may have been told that the only measure you can take is to use compression, thick diabetic shoes and even orthotics. But, many sufferers have reported that orthotics actually WORSEN the neuropathy or numbness over time!
- Are you aware that adding cushioning or supportive devices can actually do the OPPOSITE of fixing the problem?
However, there IS a real and simple solution provided by Barefoot Science insoles. They;
- Strengthen your feet
- increase circulation in your foot naturally
- stimulate the sensory nerves in your feet
So, which insoles are the best for diabetics or people with cold feet?
All Barefoot Science insoles will effectively retrain and strengthen the muscles in your feet, and for most activities in life we tend to recommend the Therapeutic model. However, for those suffering with diabetes, neuropathy or circulatory problems we recommend the Therapeutic PLUS model:
This BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insole is clothed in Celliant™ – in July 2017 Hologenix, LLC, maker of Celliant, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined Celliant products are medical devices and general wellness products, as defined in Section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug and, Cosmetic Act. According to the FDA, Celliant products were determined to be medical devices because they temporarily promote increased local blood flow at the site of application in healthy individuals.
A study of the potential benefits of Celliant™ on blood flow to the hands and feet states “The significant changes observed are very compelling for this type of product. An 8-12% improvement in skin oxygenation could improve marginal circulation enough to improve wound healing or eliminate ischemic pain of the legs”. Click the link below for full details;
https://celliant.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Improving-Blood-Flow_web.pdf
Therapeutic Plus with the combined benefits of Barefoot Science patented progressive foot strengthening and Celliant’s ability to increase local blood flow make it the ultimate insole for safe and gentle foot care for people with circulation problems like diabetics.
The makers of Barefoot Science state “We are happy to offer a 100% money-back guarantee. We have offered this for years, and we rarely get requests to use it. But we mean it!! There are no catches here. We just want to help, and know that we will”!
To enquire about Therapeutic Plus email hello@allaboutbalance.co.uk
Read some Barefoot Science customer’s testimonials below.
As a diabetic 39 year old mother of two boys and with a busy career, I have often wondered and worried about my foot health. The custom orthotics seemed to be a kind of answer when it came to straightening my ankle and reducing some of the pain caused by this misalignment, but the side effects of positioning my feet in the hard orthotics actually increased the numbness, lack of circulation and muscle atrophy that the neuropathy was already causing. (Not to mention the need to purchase expensive, wide-fitting and not necessarily attractive shoes that could accommodate the orthotic.)
The experience of wearing the Barefoot insoles has been not only eye-opening, but foot changing. Within the first hour of having the insoles in my shoes – at level one of course – I began having more feeling in my feet than I’ve had for a very long time. My feet felt good – in fact they were beginning to feel warm.
It really was amazing. The other things that have surprised me now that I’ve worn them for two years, are the fact that they are extremely comfortable – providing cushioning to my feet which can be tender, they have not – as I was afraid they might – caused my ankle to turn or be painful. In fact, my ankles, legs, knees and hips feel great – not unsupported.
I wear my Barefoot Science insoles in my shoes every day, but I can now also spend time barefoot and in shoes – such as summer sandals – without them and not have the painful, swollen ankles and sore feet that I used to get when not wearing shoes with my orthotics. Obviously the “foot strengthening” promise is true.
Lastly, I have gained some mobility back. I could not, for example, curl the toes on my left foot without causing a massive cramp in my foot or calf – and sometimes I couldn’t really move them at all. I can curl my toes any time I want to now.
It’s amazing what you will learn to live with because you’ve been told that it’s the best solution – or only solution. In hindsight, I’m somewhat incredulous that I could accept the side effects of my custom orthotics as okay. As a diabetic you are constantly told not to wear things that are too tight, that cut off circulation or that don’t allow freedom of movement. So why is it acceptable to put our feet into hard, molded orthotics that do all of the things we’re not supposed to?
My feet are integral to carrying me through life and I don’t want to lose them to amputation. Particularly if you are a diabetic – and even if you’re not – I urge you to see the amazing difference the Barefoot Science inserts will make to your mobility.” – Sarah Wilkins, July 2012
“I am a 68 year old male, diagnosed with Type II diabetes 14 years ago. Throughout my life I have had foot issues, first because of having flat feet, then later because of diabetes. I bought numerous off-the-shelf insoles in an attempt to ease the foot pain Iʼve experienced much of my life due to persistent issues with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar muscle in the foot. Finally, I tried podiatrist-prescribed shoe inserts that I wore for approximately two years; however, my foot issues continued. The doctor-prescribed inserts were hard and provided no cushioning, no stability, no pain relief. It felt like I was wearing thick braces for my feet. I continued to have plantar muscle issues. I also found it difficult to buy shoes that would work well with the thick inserts. I was at my witʼs end. Then I heard about Barefoot Science.
When I first learned of Barefoot Science insoles, I was skeptical, having tried the many off-the-shelf insoles and the very expensive doctor-prescribed inserts. But, I thought, what can I lose? Upon purchasing my first pair of Barefoot Science insoles, I hurried home to try the product. I followed the instructions provided with the insoles and I put them in my cross-training shoes, starting with Level 1, as recommended. The moment my feet touched the ground, I knew I had something different. The insoles werenʼt hard. They felt natural. For the first time in many years, my feet felt planted, stable, even strengthened. What a great feeling! I no longer had to walk gingerly to ease the pain.
I have been wearing the Barefoot Science insoles for over a year. I am now at Barefoot Science Level 5, which works best for me, and my feet feel great. They feel strengthened. I no longer have issues with plantar fasciitis. I have increased stability. Even my posture has improved because I feel more stable, with less sway. I now manage my Type II diabetes through regular visits to an endocrinologist, by counting carbohydrates, by eating well-balanced low carb meals, and by regularly exercising. This resulted in a significant decrease in amounts of medication required, and I have no diagnosed neuropathy. Medical tests on my feet show strong circulation throughout my feet.
Barefoot Science has made a world of difference to my feet, to my overall stability, to my posture, and to my ability to withstand strenuous workouts. I now wear Barefoot Science insoles in all my shoes. They work as well in my dress shoes as they do in my workout shoes. Now, at the gym and elsewhere, I happily recommend the Barefoot Science System to my fellow workout partners and to my friends. This is a product that works.” – Roger McBee, Wimberley, Texas
Barefoot Science is the only product in the world that is patented and proven to enhance proprioception and addresses the main cause of neuropathy by strengthening the foot muscles.
For more information, click here.
