Diabetes and Your Feet
November is American Diabetes Month, and at Pasco Hernando Foot & Ankle, we want our patients to be aware of how this disease can impact the health of their feet. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, wants to be a partner in helping to manage your diabetes. Patients with diabetes often have decreased circulation, limiting the amount of nutrients and oxygen that reach their feet. Below are some ways this can cause problems for your feet:
Diabetic Neuropathy—nerve damage can result in loss of feeling in your feet. It means you may not be able to perceive heat, cold, or pain accurately. Neuropathy puts you at risk of injuring your foot and not knowing it, opening the way for a dangerous infection.
Dry Skin—nerve damage can also disrupt the messages to your body to secrete the necessary oils and moisturizers to keep skin soft and hydrated. Dry, flaky skin can easily be damaged and may lead to heel cracks and other breaks in the skin.
Wounds, Ulcers, and Infections—all the changes to your body that diabetes can cause add up to an increased risk of wounds or ulcers to your feet. These can be difficult to heal due to decreased circulation, which elevates the chances of an infection. Infections can affect the whole body and, in worst-case scenarios, result in amputation.
Preventing Complications
Fortunately, there is much you can do if you have diabetes to prevent podiatric complications. One of the most important steps is examining your feet daily. Look for redness, blisters, cuts, cracks in the skin, bruising, or bumps, and immediately report anything suspicious to the podiatrist. Some other tips include:
Schedule regular exams with the podiatrist. It will make detecting any problems in their earliest and most treatable stages easier.
Wear the proper shoes. It’s essential that your footwear fits properly and is designed not to cause any friction or rubbing on your skin. Shoes should have roomy toe boxes made of soft, flexible materials. Special therapeutic shoes are available for diabetic patients often covered by insurance.
Keep feet dry. Always dry your feet thoroughly after a shower—don’t forget the spaces between the toes. Use foot powder to help feet stay dry. If your feet feel sweaty, change your socks.
If you have questions or concerns about diabetes and your feet, don’t hesitate to contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment.