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Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet causing nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. It may also reduce blood flow to your feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. With these problems, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe, which could result in a blister or a sore. This could then lead to an infection or a non-healing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation. Early diagnosis and prevention is vital in protecting your feet if you have diabetes. About eight percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, but nearly six million people are undiagnosed. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, some foot problems can help discover diabetes. Most diabetic amputations can be prevented through vigilant foot care. Prevention is Key Early diagnosis can help prevent severe nerve damage. For patients that are at risk for developing diabetes, some foot conditions can be an early warning sign. Patients should see a podiatrist if they notice any of the following conditions:
• Calluses, blisters or dry and cracked skin anywhere on the foot. This can imply poor circulation or foot health; especially if you do not feel your feet or they take two more weeks to heal.
• Thin, fragile, shiny or hairless skin, which can denote decreased circulation to the foot.
• Other warning signs include foot deformities like hammertoes, a past history of foot ulcers, or lower leg or thigh pain when walking.
People who have diabetes often have trouble with their feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can make it hard for you to tell if you have a blister or a sore. If minor sores are not taken care of, they can get worse and turn into ulcers. If these ulcers become infected, you may have to go to the hospital or, in very serious cases, have your foot amputated. To avoid problems with your feet follow these simple steps:
• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Dry your feet well, especially between toes. Use a soft towel and pat gently; do not rub.
• Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels. If the skin is cracked, talk to your podiatrist about how to treat it.
• Keep your feet dry by dusting them with non-medicated powder before putting on shoes, socks or stockings.
• Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Call your podiatrist if you have redness, swelling, paint that doesn't go away, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
• Check shoes for torn linings or foreign objects. If they don't irritate you when you walk, you might have nerve damage.
• Don't treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your podiatrist first.
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. It might help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them. File the edges of your toenails carefully.
• Avoid letting your feet get too hot or too cold.
• Don't go barefoot. When to see your Podiatrist
Podiatrists play an extremely important role in preventing and treating complications of the foot in those with diabetes. Your local podiatrist will communicate the risk status of your feet and recommend how often you should make appointments for check-ups. Regular foot care from your podiatrist is an important way to prevent problems from developing. When something does go wrong with your feet, seek attention from your Brooklyn podiatrist immediately. Waiting a few days to see if it goes away before making an appointment is never good and can result in a severe problem. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Call your podiatrist today if you exhibit any complications.
Dr. Perlstein is a podiatrist in Brooklyn, treating more than 25,000 patients since 1986. This experienced Brooklyn podiatrist offers a wide range of foot and ankle care including emergency care and treatment for bunions. His office is also open on Sundays.
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