Diabetic Foot Health Facts

Posted on November 10, 2009
Filed Under Foot and leg health, diabetic socks | Leave a Comment

Diabetics are prone to a wide range of foot problems: corns, calluses, cracked heels, hammertoes, bunions, and ingrown toenails. if peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and/or poor circulation to the legs and feet is present any of those problems can easily develop into ulcers (sores) that won’t heal,

Nerve damage in the feet (often referred to as Diabetic foot), takes away the ability to feel pain and discomfort. With this complication, it is imperative that a diabetic not go barefoot, wear socks with seams around the toe area, or wear shoes with no socks. Instead they should wear diabetic socks. The reasons are simple: If a diabetic with nerve damage stubs their toe or incurs a cut, scrap, or blister, and such skin problems go undetected, thus untreated, such injuries could develop into an ulcer. Consequently, nerve damage in concert with poor circulation, decreases the body’s ability to heal an ulcer, putting it at risk of getting infected. If the infection isn’t treated (in some cases treated) it could further develop into a secondary infection. A secondary infection is even more difficult to treat and heal and at that point could progress to the presence of gangrene. If the gangrene can’t be treated, at that advanced stage a diabetic is faced with the option of amputation or losing their life.

Another complication is called Charcot foot, a condition that weakens the bones of the foot to the point of fracturing. Continued use of the foot with this condition will cause it to deform. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape.With continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.

Those two worse case scenarios don’t have to occur. While diabetes is not curable, it’s manifestations on the body’s organ, with particular emphasis on the feet, To prevent complications of diabetes, a diabetic should follow diabetic foot health and care guidelines:

To ensure healthy feet here are some useful guidelines:

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your feet, no matter how minor.
If your doctor hasn’t already prescribed them ask about special support socks.
Check your feet daily for “hot spots”, infected nails, etc. Early detection and treatment can save you from problems down the road.
Always keep your feet clean. Wash them with a mild soap and dry them well (especially between your toes) before putting on your socks and shoes to inhibit bacteria growth.
Protect your feet from water that is too hot or too cold by checking it first with your elbow.
Never soak your feet because soaking can dry out your skin.
Trimming a diabetics nails should be done by following the natural curve of the toes. Cut toenails straight across and never cut into the corners; use an emery board or file on sharp corners. Do not try to remove corns and callus yourself – see a Podiatrist for this; NEVER use commercial corn cures – this is so important in those with diabetes as it is so easy to damage the skin.If you are unable to trim them yourself, have your foot specialist trim them for you.
Wear clean socks every day and pull or roll them on gently. Make sure your socks are not too large or small and that there are no holes or bunched areas that could rub your foot wrong.
Purchase the best brands for foot health by making sure that they have no seams to avoid unnecessary pressure in the toe area. Studies show that diabetics socks with toe seams apply 10 times more pressure in your toe area than seamless support socks made specifically for diabetics.
Wear sturdy supportive shoes that fit well and give your toes room to move. Have your shoes fit by a diabetic shoe specialist. Shoes that aren’t comfortable in the store will rarely feel comfortable later. Look for shoes that have a low heel and thick soles to provide maximum protection against injury. Shop for your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. Make sure to wear socks when trying them on to ensure a good comfortable fit. Shoes that are too tight can cause blistering during the break in period. Break in new shoes slowly to avoid discomfort and abrasions.
Before putting on your shoes, run your hand through the insides to remove rocks or sharp objects that may have fallen in them. If you feel rips or rough edges inside the shoe, it.s time for a new pair.
Look after your health (loose weight; stop smoking; exercise; reduce your alcohol consumption).
Avoid going barefoot, even in your own home (this lessens the chance of some accidental damage)
Get periodic foot exams. Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
Comfortable shoes and diabetic socks play an equally important role in the maintenance of the feet.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), a partnership among the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and over 200 organizations, including the American Podiatric Medical Association, comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%. A comprehensive foot care program would include: