Foot Care and Diabetes

When it comes to foot care  most people are motivated to take care of their feet  because they want to avoid the nightmare stories they have heard. And this is rightly so. Just about everyone has heard the stories of uncle Bob losing his legs because he had diabetes. More than 65,700 non-traumatic  (this means the person wasn't in an accident) lower limb amputations are performed each year in people with diabetes.
People with diabetes are more likely to have an amputation because of two things: blood vessel disease and nerve disease.  Blood vessel disease narrows the blood vessels and blood flow is slower down to the feet. Nerve damage which is referred to as neuropathy can cause numbness in hands and feet. It can display it self in many ways.The most common displays are

• over sensitivity (where a person cannot comfortable walk on a bare floor)
• pins and needles feeling in feet
• burning sensation in feet (when someone else touches them they are normal temp)
• cold sensation in feet( when someone else touches them they are normal temp)
• numbness
• positional sense (A person doesn't know where their feet are unless they can see them)

Basically, nerve damage takes away the body's ability to protect itself. Think about it. If your feet are numb you cannot tell if you stepped on a piece of glass. And if you don't know then of course you won't clean it and apply a bandage. That is the root of the problem. So the glass stays in your foot and festers. By the time you figure out you have an infection the problem is severe. Remember the blood flow is slower to the feet because they are further away from the heart. So the infection is difficult to fight. Amputation occurs when a persons life is at risk because they cannot get rid of an infection and gangrene sets it.

Proper foot care requires daily effort. The following steps are helpful.

1. Check  your feet daily. You will want to look at the top and bottom of foot as well as between toes. Put a mirror on the floor if needed. Never skip this step!  You are looking for changes in color, changes of shape( I know this sounds weird), and changes in temperature. Contact the doctor with any changes.
2. Wash your feet daily. Use warm water, not hot. You don't want to burn your feet. Carefully dry your feet well, especially between your toes.
3. Put lotion on feet daily to avoid cracking. After the shower is the best time to use lotion to keep feet from cracking. You do not have to you use flowery smelling kinds. A good thick cream is best. Avoid applying lotion between the toes. This leads to athletes foot.
4. Keep toenails cut properly. Toenails should always be cut straight across. Don't cut down into the corners, this leads to ingrown nails and infection. If you cut toenails after bathing they are softer and easier to cut. If you cannot see or reach your toenails have a healthcare provider cut them for you.
5. Choose appropriate shoes. Shoes need to be close-toed to protect the foot from injury. Shoes should fit well, have enough room to move toes inside the shoe, and not rub anywhere. Socks or stockings keep the foot warm and dry.  Wool or cotton socks are best because they offer the most protection.

General foot protection guidelines:

-Never go barefooted. Even in your home.

-Avoid nylon stockings if you have infection in the feet.

-Don't wear seamed socks. These can cause blisters.

-Show the doctor  any corns or excesive calluses. Don't perform surgery on your foot.

-Avoid high heeled and open toed shoes. High heeled shoes put too much pressure on the foot and oped toed shoes pose the risk of injury.

-Be careful with heating pads. They can get too hot and cause burning on feet. This is especially true if a person cannot sense too hot of temperature.

Foot care is simple and can prevent serious problems if performed daily. Have your feet checked at least yearly by a health care professional.