Diabetes foot care is important in preventing nervous system damage. (also called neuropathy) Neuropathy affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Complications

Persons with diabetes must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including the possibility of amputation from a neglected cut, scratch or blister. Regular diabetes foot care by a podiatrist is important in preventing complications.

Prevent complications with regular diabetes foot care
Wound complications of a Diabetic foot

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. It is not uncommon for someone with neuropathy to wear shoes that are to tight, this is because they cannot feel them. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a person with diabetes, infections can spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, scratches, cuts and nail problems. If you have difficulty inspecting your feet, get someone to help you, or you can use a mirror placed on the floor.

How to avoid complications:

Visit your podiatrist at least once a year for a diabetes foot care checkup.
During the check-up, your podiatrist will assess:
Blood flow to your feet (circulation)
Nerve function and reflexes
Foot shape (including bunions, claw toes, and hammer toes)
Toenails, dryness, calluses, corns, cracks, or infections
If you have misshapen feet or nerve damage, you’re more susceptible to ulcers and other foot issues.

Should you find any of these symptoms call us right away to make an appointment to have your feet checked by one of our experienced podiatrists