Diabetic Foot Care

Vulnerability to foot pain and injury is one of the many common consequences of diabetes diagnosis. Those living with this condition often require a little extra preventative care and attention in order to remain a healthy, active, mobile quality of life.

If you are diabetic, there is no such thing as a “minor” injury—even small infections can grow into something that threatens a limb, or even your life. If you have diabetes and experience any foot problems, please call us right away.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Uncontrolled blood sugar is linked to two major foot conditions that, together, can be very dangerous for your long-term health:

• Peripheral neuropathy—The nerves in your feet sustain damage that builds over time and stops them from working properly, causing pain and ultimately numbness. This can prevent you from even noticing an injury until many hours later.
• Peripheral artery disease—blood vessels in the lower limbs become constricted or blocked, reducing blood flow and the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and other essentials. This can prevent your body from healing wounds in a timely manner, or fighting off infections.

The consequences of these two major underlying issues can be devastating. Lack of awareness about injury, combined with slow healing, can lead to life-altering problems like infected ulcers or Charcot foot. Often, amputation is the only resort when these conditions progress too far.

And with diabetes, even problems that might be mere annoyances in other individuals (athlete’s foot, blisters, corns and calluses, dry skin, etc.) have the potential to become much more destructive.

Diabetic Foot Care

Caring for Feet at Home

The most important component of diabetic foot care is how you protect and care for your feet at home. Establishing good habits is critical for long-term health.

• Fully examine your feet every day for signs of injury, damage, swelling, discoloration, temperature variation, or other unusual variations. Make an appointment with us if you observe any serious problems, or issues that aren’t improving with time.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day. Keep the skin soft and smooth
• Keep your toenails neatly trimmed.
• Always wear socks and protective shoes, including indoors.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
• Carefully measure and regulate underlying problems such as blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, with medication when necessary.

Preventative Care from a Physician

It is always preferable to prevent major problems before they occur, rather than treating or managing them after the fact.

• We urge all patients with diabetes to check in with us at least once a year for diabetic foot checkup. (Those with a history of foot problems should visit more regularly, according to a schedule set by your physician). These checkups not only allow us to provide maintenance care (for corns and calluses, dry skin, nails, etc.), but also to screen for the early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy and low circulation.
• Patients with a high risk of ulceration or other complications often benefit from custom orthotics and/or diabetic shoes and socks. These tools ensure that your feet have enough wiggle room, and are protected from snags, seams, impacts, shear forces, and other external pressures that can cause problems.

Wound Care

If an injury or ulcer has been sustained, immediate treatment is required. Quick intervention can help prevent infection, and reduce the risk that an ulcer will progress into a problem that must be corrected surgically or via amputation.

Diabetic Foot Care in Freeland, Michigan

Do not allow a diabetic foot complication to turn your life upside down! If you suffer from this condition and haven’t had a complete foot exam within the last year—or you notice any problems whatsoever with your feet—please call our office immediately at (989) 695-6788.