Diabetes and Foot Care

Diabetes and Foot Care

Diabetes is an increasingly common disease that comes from a reduction in insulin production in a person’s body. Type 1 diabetics do not make insulin at all, and this condition is incurable. Type 2 diabetics can make insulin, but often do not make enough to stabilize their blood sugar. Many medications and devices make diabetes much easier to control and cope with, but it can still be a difficult disease to manage. When diabetes goes uncontrolled, it can be very dangerous and leads to many complications. One such complication is foot-related issues.

 

Diabetic Foot Concerns

When a person controls their diabetes through medications, devices, diet, and exercise, they have a much lower risk for any foot-related concerns. However, many people do not realize that if they do not care for their diabetes they can experience serious side effects. 

 

Nerve Damage

About half of all patients with diabetes have suffered nerve damage of some kind. This is particularly dangerous in the feet, as this can lead to other conditions like Charcot Arthropathy. This is a condition in which the patient’s feet lose sensation and become numb, and in later stages, this can cause the bones to fracture and warp. This leads to difficulties walking and in very serious cases, amputation. Nerve damage can also cause a feeling of pins and needles, which can be painful and difficult to deal with. Nerve damage is very complex and is one of the most important reasons for controlling your diabetes and foot care! 

 

Difficulty Healing

One complication of untreated diabetes is that the body does not heal as quickly as it normally should and can cause skin conditions. For the feet, this often leads to the development of sores and ulcers. These sores take a long time to heal and may need serious medical intervention. They can also become infected and cause even more harm. If a sore or ulcer becomes infected and destroys the surrounding tissue, it can also lead to amputation of the foot. 

 

Foot Care

The most important thing a diabetic person can do to avoid complications is to treat their diabetes. However, it is still important to take steps for diabetes and foot care and ensure that the patient is not developing any damage or sores. There are several things that a patient can do to help avoid complications: 

  • Examine Your Feet: Reviewing the foot for damage or any concerning symptoms is important. You can do this every day or at a designated time. Make note of anything that seems abnormal and talk to your doctor. 
  • Wear Appropriate Footwear: take care to wear well-fitting shoes and socks, and avoid anything that restricts blood flow. Try not to walk barefoot. 
  • Wash Your Feet: Wash your feet often and take care to dry them well afterward. You can apply baby powder or talcum powder to absorb moisture as well. 
  • Trim Toenails Carefully: If you are unable to trim your toenails without cutting your skin, ask your doctor for help. You want to avoid any cuts or nicks on your skin that could turn into sores. 

You also want to quickly address any other issues that may come up with your diabetes and foot care. If you end up with a cut or sore, quickly see your doctor. Don’t wait until they become infected! Make sure to take care of other issues like corns or calluses before they become a problem. If you have a bruise or if your foot hurts, talk with your doctor. Make note of anything that seems suspicious. 

 

Diabetic Foot Care for You

Learning about diabetes and foot care can seem overwhelming, but there are so many things you can do to take care of your body. There are many medicines and procedures that can help you take care of these concerns. The last thing you want is to have a serious problem! Make an appointment with us at Orthopaedic Associates of Riverside, and we will help you with your diabetes and foot care. 

Contact us today!