Diabetic Foot Problems

By Ade Adetunji, DPM

Largo Foot and Ankle Health Center

. http://www.largofoot.com/

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Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetes is a disease that changes the way your body uses the sugar found in food. Without the right treatment, the sugar level in the body can go out of control. This can cause many problems. Diabetes can cause problems with blood circulation such as infections and nerve damage leading to no feeling in the foot or feet.

Dry skin and shape changes could be a result of diabetes. Over half of all diabetics have foot problems. These problems range from

Decrease blood flow to the feet

Nerve problems causing a decreased sense of feeling of pain and pressure

Increased dryness and cracks in your skin.

Decreased ability to fight infection.

Poor wound healing

Signs and Symptoms

of Diabetic Foot Problems

Cold feet with blue or black discoloration

Warm feet that are red in color.

Swollen feet or foot.

Weak pulses (heartbeat) in your feet.

Not feeling pain although there is a cut or sore on your foot/feet.

Pain while active or resting.

Shiny smooth skin of the feet and lower legs.

What You Should Do

To Avoid Problems

Daily foot care Wash your feet carefully every day.

Appointments Keep all appointments with your caregiver.

Blood Sugar Control Have good control of your blood pressure and blood sugar. Take your medication. Follow exercise program that is set up by your caregiver. Exercise helps increase blood flow to your feet. Monitored diet changes will help.

Footwear Check your shoes daily. Remove your shoes and socks when you see your Primary care doctors. This will remind them to check your feet.

Nail Care You should not dig under or around toe nails. Doctor-formulated nail polish is available at some podiatry offices. This is an alternative to traditional nail polishes, for fashionable patients. It is enriched with naturally-occurring elements like tea-tree oil and garlic bulb extract, wheat protein and vitamins C and E.

Safety Never use a razor, corn medicine to remove corns, calluses or warts. Talk to your Podiatrist if you have corns, calluses or warts.

Smoking If you smoke, you should quit. Join a stop smoking program to help you to quit.