subject: Diabetes Foot and Wound Care Part 3 [print this page] Diabetes Foot and Wound Care Part 3 Diabetes Foot and Wound Care Part 3
Amputations: This is by far the worst part of my job!! As I frequently tell patients: "Keeping your feet and toes, is job security for me."
No one wants to prevent amputations more than your Podiatrist!
Patients frequently ask: How did I get Diabetes?
There are certain factors that put you at a higher risk then other patients for the development of diabetes:
1. Lack of physical exercise
2. Diet
3. Family History of Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Prior history of gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant)
6. Being Over Age 40
Certain populations have much more prevalence of Diabetes then others:
African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans have much higher rates of Diabetes then the general population.
Of all things considered weight is the most important factor in the development of diabetes and it is the one factor that YOU have the most control over.
The key to prevention of amputations in patients with diabetes is early recognition and regular foot screenings.
Patients with Diabetes should have a foot screening at least annually with their Podiatric Physician.
The things that you can do to help out:
1. Check inside your shoes before putting them on!
2. Wear properly fitted shoes at all times, many people with Diabetes and Neuropathy can step on things and not know it.
3. Wash your feet daily and dry well between the toes.
4. Lose Weight and remember you didn't put all of the weight on in a week and it shouldn't come off in a week. Take your time and slowly cut back on things and slowly increase your activity. It all starts with one step!
5. Check your feet every day! You can use a mirror on the floor, or a mechanics mirror, or ask a loved one to look for you!
6. If you notice any open areas or wounds, come in and see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately.
7. Cut your toenails straight across along the contour of your nails, don't dig in the corners!! Bathroom surgery is very dangerous if you have diabetes.
8. Exercise
9. Make sure to be properly measured and fitted for shoes. And easy trick is to trace your foot onto a piece of white paper, hold that paper to the bottom of a shoe, if your foot is wider or bigger than the shoe, that is not the shoe for you!! Get your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are the most swollen. Only wear shoes for a little while at home and then check your feet for any red areas or blisters.
10. Your Podiatrist can measure your feet for you!
11. Avoid high heels, flip flop or open toed shoes. Especially if you have neuropathy. This can leave you exposed to the elements. And may lead to ulcers or wounds on your feet. It is very easy to get a rock or piece of sand in your shoe that may rub the skin raw!
12. If you have warts are calluses, do not use over the counter removers if you have diabetes. These are made of acid and are meant to burn a hole in the skin!
