Beer and Swollen Feet: Is There a Connection?

Swollen feet are a common problem seen by foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman, at his Houston, TX podiatric office. It can occur after standing for too long, during pregnancy, from working in a hot environment and with certain medical conditions. Alcohol is another common cause but may be one not many are aware of. If you are experiencing swollen feet (edema) and are unsure of the cause, it is worth taking a look at your alcohol intake.

Drinking a beer is typically not something to be concerned about but when there is excessive use, your liver can become damaged which can result in swelling. Cirrhosis is a chronic and serious condition that can develop with alcohol use. Your liver cells can harden and die which results in your liver shrinking and not able to function properly. When this happens, edema or swelling of legs, ankles and feet is a common sign.

Another reason you may experience swelling is if you have an allergic reaction to what you are drinking. Some people can have an allergy to alcohol or the yeast that the beer is made from. Alcohol in itself causes your blood vessels to dilate. Because of this, arteries in your legs and legs can be affected by excessive swelling, which may also account for any swelling that you may experience during or after drinking beer.   Actually, any alcoholic beverage can cause swelling.

Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you are experiencing swelling that is persistent, painful and/or consistent after drinking alcohol, it is important to consult with a professional. It could be a sign of liver damage or an underlying problem that you are not aware of.  If you are diabetic, you should consult your doctor before drinking any alcohol.

Call our podiatric office and make an appointment with Dr. Bowman to have any swelling in your feet looked at. You can contact us at (713) 467-8886 or visit us online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Diabetes & Alcohol

Is Alcohol Safe if I have Diabetes?

Managing diabetes can be difficult. It often requires some serious lifestyle changes, specific dietary allowances and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. Knowing how certain foods or drinks affect your health is important when managing diabetes.

Alcohol is one thing that does have an effect on diabetes. Simply put, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to rise. Alcohol compromises how your liver is able to work. If your blood sugar level falls, your liver typically releases stored sugar to counteract that. If it is needed to metabolize alcohol in your body, your blood sugar level may not get the help that it needs to stabilize. This drop in blood sugar level can happen right after you drink and possibly remain that way for several hours.

Some of the other effects of alcohol to be aware of if you have diabetes include:

• Wine and beer contain carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar

• Alcohol can increase your blood pressure

• Alcohol stimulates the appetite so overeating may affect sugar levels

• Alcohol can interfere with any oral medications you take

• Alcohol is a vasodialator and will make your feet swell

When it doubt, check it out! If you have diabetes and are unclear on the safety of alcohol, talk to your doctor about it. If you have your diabetes under control, it may be acceptable to allow one or two drinks a day.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX sees the effects of diabetes on a daily basis. Foot care is vital if you have diabetes. If you have an injury or unusual symptoms, please contact us today to ensure your feet stay safe! Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Alcoholic Neuropathy - 12 Steps to a Better Life

Many people enjoy the social aspects of drinking, but patterned consumption can quickly get out of hand. If allowed to continue unchecked, it can lead to long term excessive consumption. This, in turn, can result in a wide array of other health concerns, one being alcoholic neuropathy.

Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by the prolonged and excessive use of alcohol. It can be characterized by an awareness of a feeling of tingling, prickling, or needles and pins, usually beginning in the hands and feet. “Excessive” and “prolonged” may be somewhat subjective terms, but research indicates that if you have consumed excess alcohol for 10 years, you are at risk for nerve damage. In addition to the needles and pins, other symptoms may include a general achiness or cramping, nausea, incontinence or difficulty urinating. Men may experience loss of sexual function. 

When the sensation of numbing in the feet occurs, it can lead to loss of motor control, falling, and injury. Symptoms are more prevalent in the legs than in the arms, and it comes on gradually and is progressive.

Treatment begins by removing or treating the cause, which in this case is alcohol or alcoholism. It is suggested the patient enroll in a program that can assist in removing the exacerbating factor and help with behavior modification.  A 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is recommended. Since poor nutrition usually goes hand in hand with excessive intake of alcohol, the patient must also focus on better, more healthful nutrition, especially with regard to the B vitamins.

Once drinking as a factor is eliminated, the symptoms may lessen, but long term prognosis does not suggest the reversal of nerve damage. Loss of motor function, severe pain, and possible disability can occur.  Alcoholic neuropathy itself is probably not a mortality issue, but it definitely impacts life quality.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing alcoholic neuropathy and would like to speak to Dr. Bowman about the long term effects and treatment options, please call our office to set up an appointment.  

Sources:
www.alcoholism-solutions.com/alcoholic-neuropathy
www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/315159-overview
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001733

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