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Foot Clinic Home |
Introduction |
Risks |
Prevention |
Treatments
Why is foot care important
to people with diabetes?
Diabetes can cause
nerve damage (called
peripheral neuropathy) that reduces sensation in your feet. If you have neuropathy, you
can have an injury or condition on your foot that requires medical care without even
knowing it. Small injuries may become infected. Diabetes may also affect
blood flow in
your legs and feet, making it harder for cuts or sores to heal. Then a small infection
can become very serious. Foot
infection is the most common reason for hospitalization of
people with diabetes. And foot ulcers
and non-healing wounds are the primary causes of amputation in people with diabetes.
With proper foot care, however, it is estimated that as many as half of these
amputations could be prevented.
What kind of
foot problems do people with diabetes have?
Just like anyone else, people with
diabetes can develop the following kinds of foot conditions:
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Corns and
calluses are thick layers of skin caused by too much rubbing or pressure
on the same spot.
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Blisters can
form if shoes always rub the same spot, or from wearing shoes that do not fit or
wearing shoes without socks.
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Ingrown toenails
occur when an edge of the nail grows into the skin, which can then get red and
infected. Ingrown toenails can happen if you cut into the corners of your toenails
when you trim them. This condition can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too
tight.
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A bunion
forms when the big to slants toward the small toes, and a bump forms at the base of
the big toe. This spot can get red, sore, and infected. Bunions often run in
the family and can also be caused by wearing shoes with pointed toes.
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Plantar warts,
which form on the bottom of the feet, are caused by a virus. They tend to go away
without treatment.
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Hammertoes form when
a foot muscle gets weak, shortening the tendons, which then retract the toe,
causing it to curl under the foot and creating a bump at the joint on the top
of the toe. These areas can become sore, and hammertoes can cause problems in
walking and in finding comfortable shoes.
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Dry skin can become
cracked, allowing germs to enter.
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Athlete's foot is
caused by a fungus that causes redness and cracking of the skin.
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Checklist for Healthy Feet
Daily exam:
- Look for cuts or sores
- Check for warning signs: redness, swelling, warmth, pain, slow healing,
dry cracks,
bleeding corns or calluses, tenderness, loss of sensation
Daily care:
Periodic foot exam by your healthcare provider:
- Once a year for everyone, every 3 - 6 months for people at high risk
- Take off shoes and socks at every doctor visit
- Check for sensation and foot pulses
- Ask for a risk evaluation
Footwear:
- Wear shoes and socks at all times
- Don't wear shoes or socks that are too tight
- Wear well-cushioned shoes
- Buy shoes that are roomy and "breathe"
- People with diagnosed foot problems may need special footwear
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As the world’s top supplier of commercial blood pressure monitors and health management systems, Lifeclinic is committed to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals across the globe. Active monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI) and blood oxygen levels when combined with proper diet, nutrition and physical fitness can help ensure a longer, more healthy lifestyle.
© 2009 Lifeclinic International, Inc.
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Why important? |