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Diabetes is a disorder of insulin production and usage that can create havoc throughout your body. When you have diabetes, your body can’t produce enough insulin or is resistant to the insulin it does have, which hinders the transport of blood glucose into cells that need it for energy.
The excess glucose in your blood damages your blood vessels, making them more susceptible to developing plaques that impede blood flow and put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Eventually, you may develop a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD), which slows down the circulation of blood to your feet.
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, our board-certified podiatrists offer diabetic foot care to be sure that your feet are safe and free of wounds that could develop into gangrene. In between your visits to our office, be sure you take your foot health seriously.
If you develop PAD because of your diabetes, your risk for amputation increases dramatically. In addition to slowed circulation, diabetes can interfere with the sensitivity of the nerves in your feet.
When you literally can’t feel your feet, you can’t feel any injuries either. You could step on a nail or a piece of glass, and not even notice it unless you inspect your feet daily.
That unseen wound can then become infected and fester. Eventually, that leads to gangrene, where the tissue actually dies. The only way to stop gangrene from spreading up the leg and to the rest of your body is to amputate the diseased portion of your foot or leg.
In the United States, diabetes is the primary reason for lower-limb amputations where the injury wasn’t caused by acute trauma. It’s also the most preventable reason for amputation.
If you have diabetes, the following tips can keep your feet safe.
Regular visits to your podiatrist for diabetic foot care is of the utmost importance. But so are your own self examinations. Be sure to thoroughly examine your feet every day and contact us if you notice a wound that isn’t healing, looks infected, or you can’t feel.
Be sure to keep your feet clean and free of grit that could work its way into your skin. Wash your feet with a gentle cleanser, making sure to clean between the toes, too.
Dry your feet thoroughly with a soft towel, including between the toes.
Always put on a clean pair of socks every day. If you sweat profusely, you may even need to change your socks during the day; don’t let your feet stay damp.
Don’t wear your shoes without socks. The friction from your foot directly contacting the inside of your shoe can create blisters, corns, and calluses. Be sure your shoes are roomy enough to let your toes spread out and supportive enough to keep your heel in place when you walk.
Whether you go to a professional salon that sanitizes its instruments and soaking basin, or you do it yourself, pampering your feet and keeping the nails short helps keep them safe. Soaking can soften the skin of your feet, preventing the development of calluses.
After soaking or cleaning, thoroughly dry your feet and then apply moisturizer to keep the skin supple. Cut your toenails (or have them cut) straight across and short. Cutting on an angle or a curve risks the development of an ingrown nail, which could become infected.
Your entire body benefits when you engage in regular activities including walking every day. Exercises such as cardio and resistance training improve your circulation to reduce your risk for PAD and keep your blood sugar stable.
In addition, your toes themselves need a workout. Many fitness classes, such as yoga, help keep your toes limber through stretching. But you should also frequently wiggle your toes to keep the blood flowing. It’s easy to do, in shoes or out.
The best way to avoid diabetes-related amputation is to reverse your diabetes, or at least slow its progress. Adopt a whole-foods diet that emphasizes organic produce, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats.
Cut out pro-inflammatory foods like sugar, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and fast food. Be sure to stay as active as possible with daily walks, frequent breaks from sitting, and regular exercise.
Just as you need to see a dentist twice a year and a doctor annually, regular visits to your podiatrists are an important part of self-care. We can identify problems before they’re picked up on your radar.
Keep your feet safe by calling our team at the Utah office nearest you for diabetic foot care, or book your appointment online.
