There is an array of foot creams on the market to treat patients with diabetes and neuropathy, some of which work better than others. HealthiBetic Foot Cream is one product that appears to be successful in reducing symptoms in patients, according to podiatrists who have prescribed the medication.

   HealthiBetic’s patented Transdermal L-Arginine cream, which was developed specifically for people with diabetes, increases foot temperature 5º to 8ºF and improves blood flow 33 to 35 percent, states the cream’s manufacturer, Strategic Science and Technologies, LLC. Directions call for patients to apply the moisturizing formula twice daily for seven days, followed by a once daily regimen to maintain improved blood flow.

   Cleveland Smith, DPM, targets common diabetic neuropathic conditions with the cream. Additionally, he uses the cream to treat “cold feet secondary to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diminished perfusion due to aging and those of unknown etiology.”

   Dr. Smith, whose Family Foot Practice is located in Helena, Mont., also recommends the cream to patients to augment recovery from such conditions as vitamin B6 toxicity, vitamin B12 deficiency and other metabolically-induced neuropathy.

   Tony Scroggins, DPM, has also prescribed HealthiBetic Foot Cream for a variety of conditions related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and/or PVD. He uses the cream by itself or as an adjunct to other therapies. The cream seems to work where other medications have failed, according to Dr. Scroggins.

Emphasizing Pain Relief

    “I have had several patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who had tried several types of treatments including medications, vitamin therapy, and Anodyne with little relief,” notes Dr. Scroggins. “After using HealthiBetic Foot Cream, they were very pleased with the results.”

   Another benefit he cites is his patients’ happiness with the relief they get while sleeping.

   Dr. Smith notes satisfying results warming the uncomfortably cold feet of aging patients. “I have several cases of injured feet that have been cold for years and now have the comfort restored with the use of the cream,” he says.

   In terms of side effects from the cream, Dr. Smith has seen a slight increase in patients reporting a burning sensation but notes this is limited to individuals who were already experiencing such sensitivity. He says such conditions cease when one employs alternate methods of treatment.

How The HealthiBetic Cream Stacks Up To Competitors

   Both Drs. Scroggins and Smith have used other products in their treatment of neuropathic disorders.

    “I have used capsaicin cream and Axsain cream to help relieve pain but these do not help improve blood flow like the HealthiBetic cream does,” notes Dr. Scroggins. He has also used DiabetiDerm cream in patients with PVD.

   Dr. Smith notes that he has used alternative therapies including other L-Arginine creams and Anodyne Infrared therapy. He says he likes to seek out the metabolic causes of peripheral neuropathies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency and even exposure to insecticides. Dr. Smith notes that insecticide exposure is “surprisingly common” in his region of the country.

Final Notes

   Other doctors would benefit from employing the use of HealthiBetic Foot Cream in their practices, according to Drs. Smith and Scroggins.

    “I strongly recommend this product,” emphasizes Dr. Smith. “It is one of the many means of treating neuropathies in a positive way rather then simply suppressing the symptoms in the way some alternative topical or oral agents are used.”

   Dr. Scroggins concurs. “I think this is a great treatment for those who do not want to take oral medications or are poor surgical candidates for revascularization,” he notes.

Ms. Garthwait is a freelance writer who lives in Downingtown, Pa.