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Foot problems are heightened in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes it is important to constantly monitor your feet, or you might face severe consequences, including amputation. According to the American Diabetic Association, approximately 15.7 million people have diabetes with nervous system damage affecting about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes. Nervous system damage is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. When a diabetic foot becomes numb, it may be at risk for deformity. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail discoloration. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror to aid in inspection of your feet. Advice for Taking Care of Diabetic Feet Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet, with even a small cut producing serious consequences. To avoid serious foot problems that can result in losing a toe, foot, or leg, follow these guidelines: * Inspect your feet daily
* Wash your feet in lukewarm water
* Be gentle when bathing your feet
* Moisturize your feet, but not between your toes
* Cut nails carefully
* Never treat corns or calluses yourself
* Wear clean, dry socks
* Wear socks to bed
* Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing
* Keep your feet warm and dry
* Never walk barefoot
* Take care of your diabetes
* Don't smoke
* Get periodic foot exams Footwear to Aid in Diabetic Foot Care Many diabetics need special prescription footwear. The various types of prescription footwear that are available for diabetics include: * Custom-made shoes. When extreme deformities are present, a custom-made shoe can be constructed from a cast or model of the patient's foot.
* External shoe modifications. The outside of the shoe is modified in some way, such as adjusting the shape of the sole or adding shock-absorbing materials.
* Healing shoes. Immediately following surgery or ulcer treatment, special shoes may be necessary before a regular shoe can be worn again.
* In-depth shoes. These are the basis for most footwear prescriptions and have added volume to accommodate inserts or orthotics.
* Orthoses or shoe inserts. Also known as orthotics, these are removable insoles which provide pressure relief and shock absorption. Regular Inspections and What Your Podiatrist Can Do If you have diabetes, it's crucial to examine your feet every day and after every injury, regardless of how minor you may think the injury is. If you notice redness, swelling, persistent pain, numbness, tingling or any other unusual signs on any part of your foot, call your podiatrist in San Antonio immediately as this could signify serious health problems. It's also recommended that people with diabetes see a podiatrist for annual checkups. A professional podiatrist in Northridge can detect signs of changes, broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. He can also check your blood circulation, identify loss of sensation or detect areas of high pressure- all of which require professional medical attention. Early detection, simple care and regular inspections can go a long way to avoid serious foot complications related to diabetes. Diabetes is serious, especially when it comes to your feet. If you have diabetes, talk with your podiatrist in Northridge about what you can do now to keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Thomas Neuman, a Lancaster and Northridge podiatrist. Dr. Thomas Neuman is a board certified foot surgeon with the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Offering an array of services, in treatments and procedures, such as heel pain, orthotics, foot pain and Neuropathy in Lancaster and Northridge, Dr. Neuman is committed to providing quality podiatric care.
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