DIABETIC FOOT CARE
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DIABETIC FEET
Research shows that a foot ulcer is preventable. Allow us to work with you in partnership to manage your Diabetic Foot & Wound Care.
Related page: Diabetic Shoes & Orthotics-Inserts
What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer, What causes ulcers in a diabetic’s foot?
A diabetic foot ulcer is caused by neuropathic (nerve) and vascular (blood vessel) complications of diabetes. Nerve damage due to diabetes causes altered or complete loss of feeling in the foot and/or leg. This is known as peripheral neuropathy.
Causes:
Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and older men are more likely to develop ulcers. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. The nerve damage often can occur without pain, and one may not even be aware of the problem. Your podiatrist can test feet for neuropathy with a simple, painless tool called a monofilament.
Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection. Elevations in blood glucose can reduce the body’s ability to fight off a potential infection and also slow healing.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Because many people who develop foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel pain, pain is not a common symptom. Many times, the first thing you may notice is some drainage on your socks. Redness and swelling may also be associated with the ulceration and, if it has progressed significantly, odor may be present.
Diabetic Foot Care Guidelines – Prevention
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet – even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe. As a result you could develop a blister or a sore. This could lead to an infection or a non-healing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation.
To avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot, or leg, contact the office immediately to share concerns.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Once an ulcer is noticed, seek podiatric medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated to reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improve function and quality of life, and reduce health-care costs.
DIABETIC SHOES ADD PROTECTION FOR FEET
Our Physicians and Staff will discuss all of the Diabetic Shoe and Insert options with you and answer all of your questions during your appointment. Let’s prevent ulcers, sores, and infections that can lead to problems. Visit our Diabetic Shoe & Custom Orthotics – Inserts page.
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