Living with diabetes requires diligent attention to various aspects of your health, and one crucial area that often demands special care is foot health. In this blog post, we'll delve into how diabetes affects the feet, discussing common issues and offering practical tips for maintaining optimal foot health. If you're searching for information on diabetes and foot care, you've come to the right place!
Diabetes and Neuropathy: One of the most common complications associated with diabetes is neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage. Neuropathy often affects the feet and can lead to a loss of sensation. Patients with diabetic neuropathy may not feel pain, temperature changes, or even injuries to their feet. This lack of sensation can result in delayed detection of wounds or ulcers, making them more prone to infections.
Blood Circulation and Foot Health: Diabetes can also impact blood circulation, leading to poor blood flow to the feet. Reduced circulation can impair the body's ability to heal and fight infections. Inadequate blood supply to the feet may result in slower wound healing and an increased risk of developing ulcers.
Foot Ulcers and Infections in Diabetic Individuals:Due to neuropathy and compromised blood flow, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. These ulcers can become infected if not promptly addressed, potentially leading to serious complications. In severe cases, untreated infections may result in the need for amputation.
Charcot Foot:Charcot foot is a condition where the bones in the foot weaken and fracture due to nerve damage. This condition often occurs without significant pain, making it crucial for individuals with diabetes to undergo regular foot examinations to detect early signs.
Prevention of Diabetic Foot Problems:
Preventive Measures for Diabetic Foot Care:
Maintaining good foot hygiene is essential for individuals with diabetes. Washing the feet daily, keeping them dry, and moisturizing to prevent cracked skin are important practices to minimize the risk of infections.
Wearing comfortable, well fitting, and supportive shoes is crucial for individuals with diabetes. Shoes should provide adequate protection and reduce the risk of developing blisters or calluses.
Daily Foot inspection: Check the top and bottom of your feet on a daily basis and look for any abnormal areas of wear, blisters, foreign debris stuck to the skin, or new cuts, abrasions, or ulcerations.
Inspect your shoes before putting them on and when you take them off. Look at the bottom sole of the shoe and inspect for any punctures, strews, tacks or anything else which may cut through the shoe and irritate, cut, or puncture your feet. Inspect the interior of the shoe for any foreign debris, or for any signs of a sharp object penetrating into the shoe.
In the setting of neuropathy, one should not test water temperature with the fingers toes, or other parts of the and or foot as diabetic neuropathy can sneak in and desensitize your skin to temperature.
Regular Foot Examinations:
Individuals with diabetes should schedule regular foot examinations with a podiatrist. These examinations can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of complications.
Surgical Debridement of toenails: Safety first, if you have difficulty reaching your feet, diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation don't take a risk with cutting toenails yourself. Many infections and amputations start with something so simple. Consult with Dr. Johnston to see if you are eligible.
Optimal Blood Sugar Management: Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range is vital for overall diabetes management, including foot health. Consistent monitoring and adherence to a diabetes management plan can help prevent complications.
Navigating diabetes and its impact on foot health requires knowledge, diligence, and proactive care. By understanding the intricacies of how diabetes affects the feet and implementing preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of complications. For personalized guidance and care, consult with Dr Johnston. Your journey to maintaining healthy feet starts with informed choices and a commitment to comprehensive diabetes management.
Give Dr. Johnston a Call!!!
Heel and Toe Podiatry
419-474-7700
Komentáře