Diabetic patients should see a podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor, for regular foot care. Patients benefit from the expertise of a podiatrist to treat and prevent diabetic foot complications. Resources for Patients with Diabetes related to the lower-extremity
Coming Soon! PPMA Diabetes Blog Get the answers to some commonly asked questions Diabetes can lead to many foot and ankle complications. How? - High blood sugars can damage your nerves/sensation, can lead to poor circulation, and interfere with your body’s ability to fight infection. As an example, if someone has decreased sensation, they may accidentally step on something that causes a wound and may not feel it. If they don’t realize they have a wound, and cover it and clean it properly, then that wound could develop into a serious infection.
- If there is decreased circulation, that wound could develop into a slow-healing ulcer because the skin needs good blood flow to heal.
- Diabetes can lead to multiple types of foot and ankle complications, which can vary in severity/seriousness. These complications include: skin changes, blisters, nail changes such as fungal toenails, foot pain, non-healing ulcers, complicated wounds, foot infections, amputations, gangrene, dry skin, swelling, numbness/tingling/burning, painful neuropathy, and destructive arthritis (Charcot).
- The good news is with proper control of your blood sugars and keeping your Hemoglobin A1c at a good level, you can decrease your risk of complications and prevent them!
How can seeing a podiatrist help with diabetic foot related issues? - A podiatrist will perform what is commonly called a Diabetic Foot Risk Assessment.
- During this visit your podiatrist will evaluate your blood flow, sensation, skin condition, strength, flexibility, and motion of your feet and ankles.
- During the evaluation, your podiatrist will be able to identify any possible risk factors and help you find ways to address them.
- Often this can include things such as nail and callus care, footwear changes/suggestions, orthotics, exercises, diabetic shoes, and tips that you can use on a daily basis at home to keep yourself safe.
How often should a diabetic patient have their feet checked? It is recommended that all diabetic patients see a podiatrist at least once a year minimum; however, depending on your feet and your individual level of risk your doctor may suggest more frequent checkups, especially if you have a history of diabetic foot complications. Do I need to have my toenails trimmed by a podiatrist? - For some diabetics it may be strongly recommended to have a podiatrist cut your toenails.
- If you have any of the following: poor circulation, decreased sensation (neuropathy), and/or are taking blood thinners, you may have a higher risk of slow-healing wounds and foot infections, it is recommended to have a doctor cut your nails.
- A podiatrist can also address your toenails if you have thick painful fungal toenails that need to be trimmed and thinned with special equipment.
- Your doctor can help you decide if you are safe to cut your own nails during your diabetic foot health screening.
What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy? - Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugars.
- Neuropathy can be different in every patient.
- It can lead to many different symptoms such as numbness, tinging, burning, and “pins and needles” sensation in the feet and toes.
- Diabetic Neuropathy most often affects the feet; however in severe cases, your hands can become affected as well.
- The severity can range from occasional pins and needles in your toes at night to a complete loss of feeling in your feet.
- If your diabetes is not managed properly then neuropathy can become permanent and progress to a severely painful and debilitating nerve pain.
What is Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)? - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the restriction or decrease in blood flow to your legs and feet caused by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries.
- Just like you can get a blockage of the blood vessels in the heart, you can get blockage of the arteries in your legs.
- High blood sugars in diabetics typically affect the small blood vessels first, i.e., the small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and feet.
- The feet are at a higher risk because of the numerous small blood vessels that are furthest from the heart.
- This decrease in blood flow can lead to many complications such as thinning skin, slow-healing wounds, ulcers, and gangrene.
- If you have PAD, it is extremely important to protect your feet from cuts and sores.
If I have diabetes, what can I do to keep my feet healthy at home? - Avoid walking barefoot, even in the house.
- Keep your skin moisturized. Use lotion or cream for your dry skin, but avoid putting the creams or lotions on the skin between your toes.
- Keep your feet clean, wash your feet daily and dry them completely after bathing.
- Wear clean, dry socks that do not have thick seams that could irritate your skin.
- Make sure you are wearing shoes that are the right size. Look for ones that are both supportive and cushioned. Avoid shoes with a narrow, pointy toe.
- Take a moment to look at your feet each day, make sure there aren’t any new problems or changes to your feet.
- If you notice any changes, report them to your doctor right away!
- Remember, “Prevention is the Best Treatment!”
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