According to the American Diabetes Association, about 24 million Americans (8 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. It is becoming epidemic and many are being diagnosed at an earlier age than in previous decades.
Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways including neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, Charcot foot, ulcers, and infections. Diabetes is the leading cause of amputation of the toe, foot or leg.
One complication of diabetes is poorly functioning nerves known as neuropathy. It is characterized by a burning and tingling sensation which may progress to numbness. Since there is a lack of feeling in the feet, it is possible for a person to develop blisters and sores without realizing it. Nerves to the skin malfunction causing dry, cracking skin that can more easily become infected. Nerves to the tendons in the feet malfunction contributing to the development of foot deformities such as hammertoes.
Another serious complication of diabetes is poor circulation to the feet known as peripheral arterial disease. This can cause minor cuts and wounds not to heal, making the diabetic at higher risk for infection.
Charcot foot is deformity of the diabetic foot where the foot changes shape when the bones fracture and disintegrate. This creates boney prominences that become pressure points.
With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Decreased blood flow from diabetes will often cause injuries to heal slowly. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror to look for redness, cuts in the skin, blisters or problems with the toenails. Diabetic foot care can be very complicated and good podiatric care is an essential component of managing diabetes.
Here is some basic advice for the care of diabetic feet:
- Inspect your feet every day.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Always keep your feet warm but do not use electric heating pads or hot water bottles.
- Take extra care drying your feet and toes after showering. Carefully pay attention to the space between the toes.
- Be sure to exercise. Walking is one of the best exercises for diabetics unless you have complications. If you struggle with balance use a cane.
- Always protect your feet and legs. Never walk barefoot.
- If your skin is dry use moisturizing cream or lotion daily. But, do not put between the toes.
- Cut your toenails straight across and even with the skin on the end of your toes. Do not cut into the corners. If you can’t see or reach your toenails have someone else do it for you. A podiatrist can help you with this.
- Never use razor blades, knives, scissors or medicated corn/wart removers.
- Look for redness, blisters, scratches, cracks between the toes, discoloration or any other change.
- Avoid all actions that diminish circulation such as tobacco use, sitting with legs crossed, and circular elastic garters.
- Change your socks daily.
- Gradually “break in” new shoes and avoid blisters.
- Call us if you see any changes in your feet.
As a diabetic, it is important to protect your feet. You deserve to continue to walk without pain or difficulties. Knowledge on how to protect your feet is important. Diabetics should see a podiatrist a minimum of once a year to check for any problems.
