Summit Pedorthics: Diabetic Foot Issues Should not be Ignored
Summit Pedorthics: Diabetic Foot Issues Should not be Ignored!
As if diabetes was not problem enough to deal with, the side effects that can happen to the body and the feet can be irreversibly catastrophic. Diabetics who do not take care of their body as a whole and follow the guidelines recommended by most every doctor treating the condition can lead to neuropathy that is body-wide, but can do some of the worst damage to the feet. Neuropathy in the feet hinders blood flow, which can lead to open sores, toe removal, and eventually amputation if left without proper wound care and treatment for too long.
Neuropathy in the feet can begin with temperature issues. For instance, one might lose the sensations of hot or cold temperatures. This type of feeling loss can also lead to unnoticed injuries and wounds to the foot, which can lead to more serious, hard-to-heal infections. Even simple issues like a small blister can cause great pain and further damage to those with diabetes. Neuropathy also has the power to change the way a diabetic person walks, and thusly how your feet are shaped and sized.
Skin changes are also very common for those with diabetes or neuropathy. The skin can range from being very dry to suddenly sweaty, and right back again. It is important for the feet to be kept dry at all times to avoid further issues. Poor circulation is a diabetic’s kryptonite and is an unavoidable side effect. Diabetic who smoke should work on stopping as fast as they can, as smoking tends to make slow circulation even worse. Getting exercise every day, even walking, can help boost circulation and overall body health.
Calluses are another common diabetic foot condition. These often appear more frequently in people with diabetes because the pressure points that form under the foot cause the build-up of hard tissue. If these calluses are not cared for, trimmed and thinned, it can lead to the need for foot orthotics and special support shoes. Never try to cut or trim your own calluses, as going too deeply can result in deep infections and open ulcer wounds. Chemical agents should also be avoided, as the skin of those with diabetes and on loads of medications can change frequently and become weaker. Using a pumice stone daily in the shower will help loosen the dead tissue. It is best to use a pumice stone when your feet are wet and lotion can be applied afterwards.
For diabetic patients, foot ulcers are the most common and complicated issue to deal with and treat. Ulcers usually occur on the soles of the feet and near the balls of the feet. Ulcers forming on the sides of the feet are usually formed from poor-fitting shoes. A foot ulcer is an open wound that can be solely on the surface, or route deeply into the muscles and tissues of the foot and eventually to the bone. If you do have an ulcer, your doctor may order x-rays to verify that the infection has not gone to your bone. If this has happened, you may need to have the wound de-brided and cleaned out in the hospital to avoid further infection. In this case, you will also receive an antibiotic and be requested to stay off of your feet as much as possible. If your ulcer still does not heal, you may be referred to a vascular doctor that can help with deep tissue healing and form a plan.
If your diabetes causes too many foot issues, ulcers, infections or troubles, you may be closer to an amputation. While amputation used to be a very common occurrence with diabetes, with the development of more stable and easy ways to control and monitor blood glucose levels has helped to lessen the need to amputate, except in extreme conditions. One of the highest factors for diabetics having amputations is tobacco smoking.
The bottom line of diabetic foot care is to care. Paying attention to changes, noticing when you cannot feel as you once did, and addressing foot and leg pain early are the keys to being able to manage and maintain your foot health while dealing with this disease. At the first instance of feet trouble, consider making an appointment with us to be evaluated for custom foot orthotics! We can evaluate your feet, needs, and accommodate accordingly to help you walk and function again with comfort.