We rely on our feet to get us everywhere every day of our lives so the importance and proper care of your feet should be a focus for people of every age and even more so for those diagnosed with diabetes.
This condition makes it difficult for those with diabetes to feel irritation, soreness, or infection in their feet. This lack of sensation can increase the risk of:
- foot ulcers
- blisters
- pain
- nerve damage
- poor circulation
- and foot infections.
In some cases, the damage can be so severe that the infections in the feet can spread, damaging other organs and even becoming life threatening for the individual.
Being aware of the warning signs of diabetic foot problems is important, that way when you see symptoms you can report to your doctor right away for treatment.
Why Foot Care Is Important with Diabetes
Two common complications of diabetes are poor circulation and neuropathy (nerve damage). Blood flow and nerve problems often show up in your feet first, because they are farthest from your heart and brain and may not receive the nutrients needed for cell growth and regeneration.
When you can’t feel what’s happening in your feet, problems can quickly expand and become serious. Thus, caring for your feet not only helps them stay healthy, but can also provide clues to problems elsewhere in your body.
Several signs you should never ignore on your feet if you have diabetes:
- Increase swelling of legs or feet
- Change of skin color
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Lack of feeling in the feet
- Numbness in the toes
- Ingrown toenails
- Slow to heal sores
- Cracks between toes
- Blisters
- Bunions & Hammertoes
- Planters Warts
- Corns
- Calluses
- Athlete’s foot
- Loss of hair on toes or legs
If you notice any of these symptoms contact your doctor. Any delay can potentially put you at risk for more health complications and issues.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems.
The professionals at Eagle Rock Medical Center, stress the importance of taking care of your feet and regularly looking for any potential problems. They specialize in diabetic neuropathy and individuals who have complex orthopedic or neuropathic issues connected to foot-related complications of diabetes.
What preventative care You can do:
- Inspect your feet daily.
- Keep your eyes peeled for small cuts, scrapes, infected toenails, blisters or anything that may lead to an infection.
- Never go barefoot outside. If you’re unable to feel an injury, you have a higher risk of infection.
- Check blood pressure normally.
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and be sure to dry thoroughly.
- Avoid situations that could potentially become “too hot”. Because of nerve damage in the toes, you could burn yourself without realizing water is too hot. Example- walking on hot beach sand.
- Wear appropriate shoes. Make sure you break in any new shoes slowly to avoid blisters from forming.
- Get daily exercise. Take short walks everyday which can help increase your blood flow and circulation.
- Avoid at home “remedies” for sores, warts or calluses. Harsh chemicals can create the starting point of infections. Always seek the advice from a doctor.
- Keep your feet moisturized to avoid cracking of skin.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can further decrease blood flow to the feet.
- Don’t be hesitant to call your doctor. Even the smallest things can be fixed faster with the help of a professional.
Make an appointment
The highly skilled team at Eagle Rock Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in partnership with our neuropathy, regenerative medicine and diagnostics centers, treat people who have complex issues connected to foot-related complications of diabetes. Book your appointment with us today by visiting Eaglerockmedical.com
