According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet: Always keep your feet warm. Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain. Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet. Don’t soak your feet. Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail …
Diabetic patients are particularly at risk for significant foot problems that can lead to the loss of their feet or legs. The most common cause of hospitalization for the diabetic patient is foot infections. Foot related problems for the diabetic patient are responsible for significant time off work. Foot ulcerations can take weeks or months to heal. here are two conditions that are associated with diabetes that put the patient at risk. The first is called neuropathy, which is a nerve condition that frequently affects the feet. There is a gradual loss in the patient’s ability to perceive the protective sensations. The protective sensations are the ability to feel pain, to feel the difference between hot and cold, sharp and dull, vibration, and excessive pressure. This loss of sensation can become quite profound. Patients can step on sharp objects or cut themselves and not feel pain. They may burn themselves with scalding water and not be aware of it, and they can develop pressure sores and infections and experience little or no pain. Because of this condition, diabetic patients must be constantly aware of their feet and inspect them daily. They should avoid walking barefoot and always check the temperature of their bath water or foot baths prior to immersing their feet. Special care should be taken when trimming the toenails. The sharp trimming of corns and calluses and over-the-counter corn removers should be avoided. Shoe gear must be appropriately fitted to avoid areas …
York Podiatrist – Diabetic Foot CareAccording to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet: Always keep your feet warm. Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain. Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet. Don’t soak your feet. Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board …
Foot problems are among the leading causes of hospitalization for the 16 million persons in the United States with diabetes mellitus, accounting for expenditures of hundreds of millions of dollars annually. It has been estimated that 15% of all diabetics will develop a serious foot problem at some time, which can potentially threaten their limb or even their life. The most common of these problems are infection, ulceration, or gangrene (death of the tissue) which can lead, in the most severe of cases, to amputation of a toe, foot or leg. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented through regular podiatric visits, patient education, daily foot inspection and care, proper footwear and early recognition and treatment of any suspected trouble areas. This can only be accomplished with active participation in your own care along with the help and guidance of your foot specialist. People with diabetes can develop a variety of foot problems. Even ordinary problems can quickly get worse and lead to serious complications. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage in the feet or when blood flow is poor. Inspect your feet every day, and seek care early if you do get a foot injury. Make sure your health care provider checks your feet at least once a year-more often if you have foot problems. What Causes Foot Problems in Diabetes? It is well established that the longer a person has the disease, the greater is the incidence and severity of …
Diabetes can be lifes annoyance or it can kill you. It is your choice! Take care of your feet so they will carry you for a lifetime. Visit our websites: www.faant.com http
All diabetics are warned that their metabolic disease often affects the eyes, the kidneys and the feet with often tragic consequences. Poor circulation, numbness and burning, loss of balance and strength, foot ulcers, infections and all too often gangrene and amputation are commonly associated with Diabetes. Starting with a complete lower extremity evaluation, a determination of how your Diabetes has affected your feet, a program of care can be custom developed to treat and reverse any existing problems and prevent future problems from developing. Working along side of internists and endocrinologists as part of the diabetes health professional team, podiatry has been proven to be a valuable asset in maintaining longevity and quality of life for diabetics. All diabetics should at least have an annual Podiatry exam. Visit our website: www.ftcdrdinowitz.com
