Diabetes and Your Feet

By Dr. Jean Archer
 

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of amputation in America. In recent years, there has been an ever increasing effort to decrease incidences of amputation and limb loss. Diabetics are mandated to have yearly foot exams and most insurance companies provide free diabetic shoes for its members, yearly. Also patients who are at high risk for developing foot amputations are advised to see their Podiatrist for routine foot care.

In addition, to scheduling appointments to see your foot doctor, follow these rules to avoid complications with your feet.

• All diabetics should inspect their feet every day to look and feel for ingrown toenails, blisters, cracks in the skin, calluses or corns and/or wetness between the toes. If you notice any of these conditions, please consult your doctor immediately.
   
• Keep your feet dry- but well moisturized. This means applying a skin cream or lotion to the top and bottom of feet and legs. Do not apply between toes.
   
• Keep the area between your toes dry. After a shower or bath, dry between the toes thoroughly.
  Consult your doctor before soaking feet. When soaking feet, use warm water to soak feet.
   
• Socks should always be worn and kept clean and dry. They should be of cotton or wool when doing most walking. Always wear socks or hosiery when wearing shoes.
   
• Shoes should be inspected before wearing. The insides and outsides of the shoe should be checked for lumps, bumps or broken seams. Faulty shoes should be thrown away.
   
• Shoes should be of soft leather upper with a thick rubber sole.
  Shoes should be purchased at the end of the day. Feet have a tendency to be more swollen toward the end of the day.
   
• Do not wear the same shoes every day. Shoes should be rotated to allow them to dry out.
   
• Most importantly, work with your doctor to control your blood sugar. Strict control of blood sugar is important. Complications secondary to diabetes include poor circulation, numbness, poor wound healing, infection, and limb loss.

Foot exams are easy and can detect many problems before they worsen. If you are a diabetic, have your feet examined.