People with diabetes are prone to develop a variety of foot ailments. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications.
One of the concerns 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 blister on your foot, you might not even know it is there until it becomes infected. 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, causing an ulcer.
Diabetes 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 every year undergo one or more lower-extremity amputations due to ulcers and infections. 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 regular care and proper footwear.
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. He can be reached at 661-253-3668. You can also visit his web site at www.killerfeet.net .