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If you are diabetic, you are more prone to foot problems than those without diabetes. Diabetes causes a condition of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can affect your entire body, but most often the legs and feet are the body's most prone areas to serious health problems. Damage to the nerves can cause the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect extreme temperatures and pain as easily or readily as someone who does not have diabetes. As a result, you could sustain a serious cut or wound and not even notice your foot is injured until severe infection develops. Because diabetes alters a person's immune system, their body's ability to fight infection is decreased. A minor infection can progress quickly, leading to the death of skin tissues that may even require amputation of the affected limb to save the patient's life. Many diabetic foot problems can be prevented in some measure with improved blood sugar control and a strengthened immune system. If you are among one of the millions of people in the United States with diabetes, remember to visit your Scottsdale podiatrist for regular foot examinations in order to maintain healthy feet and a strong body. Examine your Feet Daily to Prevent Infection Careful inspection of your feet on a regular basis is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective measures for preventing foot complications. Examining your feet every day and after every injury is crucial regardless of how minor you may think of the injury. Noticeable changes, such as temperature, skin color, pain, or swelling may be warning signs for poor circulation or loss of sensation that could potentially lead to something more serious. Call your Scottsdale podiatrist immediately as soon as you notice unusual symptoms. Annual examinations by your podiatrist are also extremely important for anyone with diabetes. A foot specialist can provide a more thorough exam and detect any signs of changes, such as broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. The podiatrist can also check for areas of high pressure or loss of blood circulation. Clean Feet: A Step Towards Good Foot Health Taking proper and careful care of your feet each and every day can help prevent serious health issues that accompany diabetes. People with diabetes should pay extra attention to keeping their feet clean. Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, making sure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially in-between the toes. Apply non-irritating moisturizer to prevent cracks and to keep your feet smooth. Avoid in-grown toenails that can get infected by keeping them trimmed neatly. If you are not able to cut your toenails safely, ask your Scottsdale podiatrist for professional assistance. And never attempt to cut your own bunions or corns as this can lead to infection. Instead visit your podiatrist for safe and pain free removal. Avoid Foot Ulcers and Avoid Amputation Diabetic ulcers are the most common foot injuries leading to lower extremity amputation. An ulcer sore develops through the break down of skin due to excessive friction or pressure, usually located on the bottom of the foot. Diabetic ulcers should be carefully treated and monitored as these can quickly become infected and lead to more serious problems. When the ulcer is infected and not immediately treated, it could be absorbed into the skin and bone, thus explaining why a foot ulcer is commonly the beginning stage of most foot infections requiring lower extremity amputation. See a podiatrist for professional, safe and pain free treatment. In summary, diabetes is serious, especially when your feet are involved. Early detection and simple care are just a few things that can be done in order to control and prevent complications as they arise. Podiatrists also play an extremely important role in the prevention and management of complications of the foot in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, talk with your Scottsdale podiatrist about what you can do now to keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy. Dr. Mark Forman is an experienced board certified sports podiatrist in Scottsdale. Offering a wide array of foot and ankle care in two comfortable convenient settings, this North and South Scottsdale, AZ podiatrist provides treatment for heel pain, orthotics and diabetic foot care among many foot and ankle ailments.
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