There are more than 14 million Americans afflicted with diabetes. Medical studies show that diabetes has a debilitating effect on the extremities, most often the feet. With each step, a healthy foot withstands the pressure of three to four times a person’s body weight. Learn what you need to do to keep your feet healthy. Twenty percent (20%) of diabetics admitted to hospitals are there for foot related problems. Most of those problems could have been prevented by proper foot care and footwear.

The American Diabetes Association reports that at least fifteen percent (15%) of people with diabetes will eventually develop foot ulcers. These foot ulcers frequently become infected and lead to amputation. Fifty to Seventy percent (50%-70%) of all non-traumatic amputations occur in patients with diabetes. However, professional care, educational programs and proper self-care can help prevent tragedy and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.

Foot Problems Won’t Just Go Away
Diabetes can affect nerves in your feet and keep you from feeling injuries. Of all the conditions that affect the diabetic foot, most stem from neuropathy or neuritis, which may leave the foot insensitive to pain. Diabetes can also cause reduced blood flow. This may prevent injuries from healing. In fact, minor injuries may quickly become serious infections. So take a look at your feet. What kind of shape are they in? Do you have blisters, corns, calluses, or red spots? Do you feel tingling? Are your feet cold? Are your toenails thick or ingrown? Problems can develop without your being aware of them. Although gangrene and amputation are the most drastic results, simple neglect can lead to these catastrophic consequences.

Compton Orthopedic Service Suggestions on Daily Diabetic Foot Care:

Keep your feet clean. Use warm water and mild soap to wash your feet every day, but do not soak. Dry them well, especially between the toes.

Keep your feet dry. It has been recommended to use a good foot powder sparingly between the toes.

Inspect them daily. Check for cracks, blisters, cuts, scratches and discoloration. For dry feet, use a very thin coat of moisturizing cream. Do not put oil or cream between toes.

Never walk barefoot, even indoors.

Do not use razors or over the counter medications to treat corns or calluses. They could damage your feet. See your Podiatrist or health care professional for nail trimming, to treat blisters, or corns and calluses. If your physician says you can trim your own nails, ask how to do it the right way.

Change socks or stockings every day. Select fitted, seamless socks and do not wear mended socks.

Avoid heating pads and hot water bottles. You could burn your feet.

Do not cross your legs. It can reduce blood flow to your feet.

Do not smoke, since smoking can reduce blood flow to your feet.
 

Get Your Family Involved
It can be very helpful for family members of a person with diabetes to understand the basics of the disease so they can recognize the dangers and help sustain, encourage and remind that person how to stay healthy. Family involvement can make an enormous difference in the lifestyle and the life span of a person with diabetes.

Check Shoes and Socks
Shoes and socks that fit properly can prevent foot problems. They can also keep existing problems from getting worse. Wearing socks can cut down the amount of friction your feet absorb from your shoes. The right kind of sock can also help to keep feet dry. Before putting on any shoe, check for anything that could rub against your feet such as foreign objects, nail points, or torn linings. Our highly trained staff can help you determine what shoe is right for your feet.