Approximately 30% of those living with HIV or AIDS develop Peripheral Neuropathy, which of course can affect your feet. So, on World AIDS Day: 1st December, we’d like to highlight this.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that weakens the body’s immune system. This reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.
Unless treated with modern antiviral therapy, Late Stage HIV, also known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease) can bring with it the susceptibility to many other diseases. Because of this, the health of the person living with AIDS will generally decline.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a disease that affects the nerves located outside of the central nervous system. Neuropathy leads to insensitivity, stiffness and numbness, especially in the feet.
These problems can lead to deformities such as:
- Bunions
- Hammer Toes
- Metatarsalgia
- Calluses
- Corns
…and other Foot related problems.
Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or loss of ability to feel pain, heat and cold. Therefore, people living with HIV can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters and pressure sores that they may be unaware of due to their inability to sense pain.
These conditions should be taken care of immediately to prevent more serious problems such as the development of ulcers or even amputation.
That’s why it’s so important to look after your feet and get them checked regularly.
Visit your friendly local Podiatrist at our Beeston – Nottingham and Ilkeston – Derby clinics. They’re the experts in feet!