Keep Your Feet Happy- Take Extra Precautions With Diabetes
With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that is too tight can cause a lot of damage
. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people have diabetes. Nervous system damage affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.
People with diabetes are prone to having foot problems more often than most because of two complications: nerve damage and poor circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away your ability to feel any pain or discomfort that may occur. Diabetes can turn small foot problems into serious complications. Take extra precautions and protect your feet.
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.
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.
Your Concord 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 Harrisburg and Concord podiatrist can help keep small problems from worsening. If you notice even the slightest problem with your feet, contact your podiatrist immediately to prevent any further damage.
by: Gen Wright
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