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Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet- even a small cut can lead to severe complications. Nerve damage is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes, and this may become so severe as to impair all feeling in your feet. Another important complication of which you should be aware is peripheral arterial disease, in which the blood circulation to the feet becomes compromised as a result of uncontrolled diabetes, making it harder to heal an injury, protect your feet against an infection, or even walk more than a few blocks. Diabetes Related Foot Complications Diabetes can lead to a series of foot complications that are preventable if proper measures are taken. One problem that can develop is corns and calluses. When neuropathy is present, you can't tell if your shoes are causing pressure or that you are developing problems or pain. Corns and calluses must be treated properly, or you will risk the development of ulcers, which are sores in the skin that may go all the way to the bone. With poor circulation and neuropathy in your feet, cuts or blisters can easily turn into ulcers that become infected and won't heal.
Additionally, you can potentially develop Charcot foot, which is a complex foot deformity. Charcot foot develops as a result of a loss of sensation and an undetected broken bone that leads to destruction of the soft tissue of the foot. The pain of the fracture can potentially go unnoticed because of neuropathy and you can continue to walk on the broken bone, making it worse. Diabetic Foot Care Guidelines to Healthy Feet Diabetes can be very dangerous to your feet, with just a small cut producing serious consequences. To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot, or even a leg, follow these simple 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 your nails carefully
* Never treat corns or calluses yourself
* Wear clean, dry socks
* Avoid the wrong type of 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 When following these guidelines, you increase your chances of maintaining healthy, happy feet. Learning how to check your feet also plays a crucial role in protecting your feet from serious complications.
If you have diabetes, constant monitoring of your feet is very important. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Even the smallest injury can lead to more severe issues, so it is very important to become familiar with your feet. Your East Side podiatrist can help wounds heal, preventing amputation. There are several new surgical techniques available to save your feet and legs, including joint reconstruction and wound healing technologies. Getting regular check-ups with your Union Square podiatrist can help keep small problems from worsening.
Dr. Scott Melamed, podiatrist in East Side, graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He completed his two year surgical residency at DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO from 2000-2002. Dr. Melamed, podiatrist in Union Square, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is board certified in foot surgery.
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