Diabetic foot

Diabetics can have many foot problems because of two common complications of diabetes: nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. Neuropathy is the loss of sensation in your feet which can take away your ability to feel pain and discomfort. This can inhibit you from sensing an injury or irritation. Poor circulation in your feet can cause delayed healing of even a small cut. In addition, when your blood sugar is over 170 mg/dL, your immune system cannot fight infections as effectively.

Diabetics need to be aware of how foot problems can arise from seemingly small disturbances which can turn into serious complications. You can promote healthy feet and help to prevent amputation by: following the proactive measures below and see your foot and ankle surgeon regularly. Literature recommends that all diabetics are routinely seen by a podiatrist at least once a year.

Common foot problems in diabetics:

• Infections and ulcers (sores) – see wound care below

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Brittle bones

• Vascular disease in the leg

Your Proactive measures

• Inspect your feet daily – look for cuts, redness, and injuries.

• Observe for changes in circulation – look at the color of your toes

• Don’t ignore leg pain

• Nail cutting – see us if you have trouble trimming your toenails.

• Don’t trim corns or calluses yourself

• Keep floors free of sharp objects

• Don’t go barefoot

• Check shoes and socks

• Have your sense of feeling tested – Dr. Moore and Dr. Gkotsoulias will perform various tests to see if you have lost any sense of feeling.

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