Diabetics need to be extremely weary of their feet, as foot problems with diabetics are inevitable unless you properly take care of your feet! You need to be fully aware that they are extremely serious issues. Diabetic foot infections are the leading cause of diabetic limb amputations!!!
Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem which almost 20 million people in the US alone face. These numbers are continuously growing as more people develop this disorder. Along with the core issue of not being able to process insulin in the body, Diabetics are also at risk for a multitude of foot problems.
Common Problems Associated with Diabetes and the Foot
High glucose levels in the body eventually damage nerve endings and lead to sensations of numbness, or neuropathy, in the feet. Although this may not sound like a serious problem, it can lead to many other smaller problems such as blisters or scrapes going unnoticed until they become severe.
Diabetics also tend to have poor blood circulation, especially to the feet. This, in combination with neuropathy, can lead to small cuts or breaks in the skin becoming quickly infected and turning into painful ulcerations.
In addition to neuropathy and poor circulation, diabetics may also experience a condition called peripheral edema.
Preventative Foot Care is essential to healthy diabetic feet!
As a diabetic, it is important to follow this foot care regimen to prevent serious infections and problems.
First and foremost, check your feet daily. Look for any breaks in the skin, including blisters, cuts, scrapes, ingrown toe nails, or severely cracked heels. These breaks in the skin allow germs and bacteria an easy way into your bloodstream, and if you suffer from neuropathy, you may not even notice a cut until it has already become infected. To prevent problems from developing into serious infections or ulcerations, check your feet daily (see a pattern?). Inspect the tops and soles of your feet, toenails, and pay close attention to the area between each toe. If you discover any abrasions to the skin, wash with warm soapy water, apply antibiotic ointment, and call a doctor immediately. Minor problems will turn into major ones quickly, so don't delay.
In addition to daily foot checks, it is important to simply maintain good foot health! Wash your feet daily with warm soapy water, and dry them thoroughly (sign up for our free foot soaks on the home page! You'll love them.) Use a thick cream intended for feet on the heels and any dry spots on the foot to prevent cracked skin - but avoid putting foot cream on the area between your toes.
Clip your toenails carefully, being sure not to cut them too short or down the sides. Cutting nails too short can lead to infection, and cutting the nails down the side may lead to painful ingrown toe nails.
Protect your feet by avoiding walking barefoot, as you may step on a sharp object or pick up an infection from surfaces you walk on. Always wear good socks (check out the truly revolutionary SmoothToe Sock) and a supportive, well-fitting shoe with arch support and a wide toe box. Purchase a pair of slippers to wear with socks around the house, and practice good habits to keep them nearby.
Try to avoid foods high in sodium, as this may exacerbate the swelling associated with edema. Drink plenty of water, and do not sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time, as this may restrict your circulation. If you have time during the day, lay down flat on your back and elevate your feet above your body using a few pillows to help retained fluids in your feet or legs drain back into your body.
Invest in a few pairs of good shoes. These shoes should preferably have laces, since they can accommodate the foot when it is swollen and when it isn't . You should have a podiatrist or a professional fit you for your shoes, and above all, avoid shoes that are too tight. They can cause blistering as well as a plethora of other problems. Ensure that you have room to wiggle your toes within your shoe, and start by wearing new shoes for just an hour or two a day to slowly break them in.
We hope that this information regarding diabetic foot care has been helpful to you. Diabetes is a serious medical condition, and your doctor should be able to answer any questions regarding diabetes and your feet. If you notice pain or breaks in the skin during your daily foot checks, call a doctor right away. These seemingly minor problems can become infected VERY quickly, so do not delay!