Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a serious disease that can develop from lack of insulin production in the body or due to the inability of the body's insulin to perform its normal everyday functions. Of the sixteen million americans with diabetes, 25% will develop foot problems related to the disease.
Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics who suffer from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet —even a small cut could have serious
consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve
damage that takes away the feeling
in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce
blood flow to the feet, making it harder
to heal an injury or resist infection.
Because of these problems, you might not notice a pebble in your
shoe—so you could develop a blister, then a sore, then a stubborn
infection that might cause amputation of your foot or leg.
To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe,
foot, or leg, be sure to follow these guidelines:
Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems.
Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet.
Call your doctor if you notice anything.
-
wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water
Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. But only use
lukewarm water—the temperature you’d use on a newborn baby.
-
be gentle when bathing your feet
Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting
or patting—and make sure to carefully dry between the toes.
-
moisturize your feet—but not between your toes.
Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking.
But DON’T moisturize between the toes—this could encourage
a fungal infection.
Also, file the edges. Don’t cut them too short, since this could
lead to ingrown toe nails.
-
never trim corns or calluses
No “bathroom surgery”—let your doctor do the job.
Change them daily.
-
avoid the wrong type of socks
Avoid tight elastic bands (they reduce circulation). Don’t wear
thick or bulky socks (they can fit poorly and irritate the skin).
If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. NEVER use a heating
pad or hot water bottle.
-
shake out your shoes and inspect the inside before wearing
Remember, you may not feel a pebble—so always shake out
your shoes before putting them on.
-
keep your feet warm and dry
Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain.
Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
Not even at home! You could step on something
and get a scratch or cut.
-
take care of your diabetes
Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.
See your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis for
an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
Treatments and Prevention
Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic foot care. Diabetic footwear should provide the following:
- Firm heel counters for support and stability.
- Rocker soles designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain.
- High, wide toe box (space in toe area).
- Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
Appointments Contacts & Location Information
The Podiatrists
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