Diabetes places your feet at a serious risk for injury. For most people, small foot injuries like calluses or blisters are a minor aggravation. They may feel sore, have some small pain, and complain about how their feet look. However, for people with diabetes, these small wounds can grow into large devastating problems. The average person will change the way they walk to reduce their foot pain, but those diabetics that cannot feel pain will continue to walk on the area. This is because diabetes can affect nerves and blood vessels. Over time, high levels of sugar can clog the small blood vessels in the legs and feet causing poor blood flow. These small vessels feed nerves. With inadequate nutrition, the nerves stop working properly which leads to tingling sensations and areas of numbness. If you cannot feel your feet very well, you may not realize that a problem is developing. Diabetics that are unaware of a problem with their feet cause thousands of lower-limb amputations each year.
According to the Nation Institutes of Health, smart tips for people with diabetes include:
Do inspect your feet daily. Stay on the lookout for signs of possible trouble such as red spots, blisters, cuts, and calluses. If you cannot see the bottom of your foot, lay a mirror on the floor and use it to inspect your soles.
Do keep your feet warm. If your feet feel cold or you know they may become cold, put on warm socks. This will help keep normal blood flow to your feet.
Do wear the right shoes and socks. Buy shoes that have plenty of support and make sure to wear clean, lightly cushioned socks at all times. The American Podiatric Medical Association has a list of their favorite shoe brands.
Do control your blood sugar. This is the best way to prevent foot problems from developing or progressing. Work closely with your doctors to keep your blood sugar under control.
Don’t walk barefoot. This means indoors as well as outside. Always feel the inside of your shoes with your fingers before putting them on. Make sure to check for sharp objects, rocks, or rough material that can cause irritation.
Don’t smoke. In addition to harming your heart and lungs, smoking also decreases blood flow. This inhibits your immune system from fighting sores and infection.
By Dr Jordanna Baker of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.