People with diabetes are prone to developing foot problems. The longer people have diabetes, the greater the chance of having foot complications.
One of the problems for many diabetics is that if they have damaged nerves in their legs and feet, they might not feel heat, cold or pain. If you have a cut or sore on your foot, you might not even know it’s there. Thus, you are at risk of infection. The muscles of the foot may not function properly because the nerves are damaged. This could cause the foot to misalign and create too much pressure in one area, developing an ulcer. About ten percent of people with diabetes are at risk for foot ulcers.
Diabetes also affects blood flow. Without good blood flow, it takes longer for a sore or cut to heal. Poor blood flow in the arms and legs is called peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels away from the heart. If you have an infection that will not heal because of poor blood flow, you may develop ulcers or gangrene, which is the death of tissue due to a lack of blood.
As many as 70,000 Americans with diabetes per year undergo one or more lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the leading cause of amputation of the lower limbs. Yet it is clear that as many as half of these amputations might be prevented through simple but effective foot care practices.
People with diabetes should inspect their feet on a daily basis. This can be done by putting a magnifying mirror on the ground to see the sole of the foot or have a family member inspect your feet for you. Inspect your shoes every time you put them on to make sure there is nothing in them. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Use moisturizing lotion for dry skin, except between the toes. Soaking your feet in water is fine, as long as the water is no warmer than room temperature. Be sure to check water temperature with your hand instead of your feet.
People with diabetes should visit a podiatrist every two to three months for routine foot care, including trimming of toenails, corns and calluses. Also, a podiatrist should be consulted immediately if you notice any red or irritated spots, infections, blisters, ulcers or changes in your toenails.
Dr. Robert Abrams, DPM, is medical director of the FootCare Center of Santa Clarita.
For more information, please call 661-253-3668 or visit www.killerfeet.net.