Understanding Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a large number of people. In fact, in the US alone, 38.4 million people have diabetes. That’s nearly 12% of the population. Even though diabetes has a widespread presence, many people are unaware of the damage it can cause to people’s feet. Nervous system damage from diabetes can result in a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain, which increases the risk of infection. That’s why people with diabetes need extra time to care for their feet properly.

Why is Diabetic Foot Care Important?

Neuropathy (nerve damage) is a significant complication and a big risk for people with diabetes because it can cause them to lose feeling in their feet. Additionally, with decreased blood flow, injuries heal slowly – even something as small as a blister can become a significant issue. With wounds being challenging to detect and taking longer to heal, the risk of infections increases. Due to these risks, it’s exceedingly essential to inspect your feet every day for various issues, including: 

• Bruises
• Nail problems
• Puncture wounds or ulcers
• Redness or inflammation
• Scratches, cuts, or blisters

What Foot Problems Do Diabetics Face?

Foot complications from diabetes can result in deformities. Foot deformities from diabetes can happen in two ways. 

The first potential deformity comes from foot ulcers. These open sores become infected due to high focal pressure areas and a lack of sensation. Foot ulcers lead to tissue loss and strength in the intrinsic foot muscles, resulting in imbalanced pressure on specific areas of the foot. This pressure imbalance can cause deformities, such as hammertoes or claw toes.

The second way is from a bone condition called Charcot’s foot. Charcot foot is one of the more serious foot conditions that can arise from diabetes. This happens when the bones in the foot fracture and disintegrate, causing the shape of the foot to warp. The most dangerous part about this foot condition is that the patient doesn’t always feel pain. This is due to the numbness or loss of feeling in the foot from the neuropathic nature of diabetes. This means that you may continue to walk with Charcot’s foot while feeling no pain, yet it worsens the warping of your foot.

Tips for Proper Diabetic Foot Care

Now that you understand the potential risks and the importance of diabetic foot care, here are some steps you can take for optimal foot health: 

• Start by inspecting your feet for daily wounds, and keep good foot hygiene. 
• Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, and keep your toenails trimmed. Always cut your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. 
• Keep your feet warm and dry at all times. 
• After washing, thoroughly dry your feet, making sure to dry between the toes. Then, moisturize with a gentle lotion. Avoid applying lotion between the toes, which can increase moisture and infection. 

These are just some of the basic things you can do to take good care of your feet. There are lots of ways to maintain healthy feet when you have diabetes. Here’s some additional advice:

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks: Avoid wearing shoes or socks that are too tight. Don’t wear pointed toes or high heels, as these put a lot of pressure on the foot. Instead, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and socks that are light, breathable and don’t squeeze the toes or ankles. Also, consider wearing therapeutic footwear.
• Be careful in snow or near heaters: Temperatures that are too cold or too hot can be dangerous to your foot health, especially if you can’t feel the potential damage extreme temperatures cause. Avoid placing your feet near heaters, furnaces or fireplaces. Make sure your feet are kept dry and warm in colder weather.
• Avoid sitting cross legged: Sitting crossed legged decreases blood supply to your feet. People with diabetes already experience decreased blood flow, so it’s best to sit with your feet on the floor for better circulation. 
• Get moving: Staying active and moving is a good way to increase circulation. Make sure to get up and walk to stimulate blood flow to your feet. 

With proper understanding and proactive diabetic foot care, you can better manage many of the potential risks to your foot health. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we’re dedicated to helping our diabetic patients maintain healthy feet through education, preventative care and specialized treatments. Give us a call at 214-574-9255 or book your appointment online now to ensure your feet remain in the best possible health!