Posts for tag: nerve damage
The numbers concerning diabetes are staggering. Almost 8% of the US population has diabetes. Of the 24 million Americans with this disease, about 6 million do not know it. Men and women are equally affected by the disease and a little over half of those with the disease are 60 years of age or older. Breaking down the 6 million that do not know they have diabetes, 4 million men and 2 million women over the age of 20 are unaware. On average non-Hispanic blacks are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of the same age. Mexican-Americans are almost two times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Diabetes affects non-Hispanic black and Hispanic/Latino American women 2-4 times more often than non-Hispanic white women.
Realizing that diabetes is a disease and taking, the steps to control the disease can save your life. 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage. Severe forms of diabetic nerve damage can lead to foot and leg amputations. The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than that for people without the disease. After an amputation, the chance of another amputation with 3-5 years is almost 50%.
A podiatrist plays a crucial role in a diabetes management team. They are uniquely qualified to treat the foot and ankle, which is where diabetic nerve and blood flow problems first occur. If you have diabetes or are at risk, it is important to have a podiatrist check your feet at least once a year for symptoms, such as loss of sensation, burning, or tingling. Since diabetes affects your entire body it is important to have other doctors involved in your treatment team. A primary care physician or internist plays the important role of coordinator. They can make referrals to other specialists and conduct general care. Endocrinologist is a specialist used for people having difficulty controlling the disease. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease and infections in the mouth due to the elevated blood sugar. This makes it important to maintain regular dentist appointments. An ophthalmologist should be a part of the diabetes management team as well. They are specially trained to detect blood flow problems to the eye along with vision difficulties. Diabetics should include a trip to the eye doctor for exam once a year as part of their treatment.
By Dr. Joseph Menn of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.
*All statistics and numbers are from the American Podiatric Medical Association*
Diabetes is a serious health disorder. If you have diabetes, you are one of 23.6 million Americans affected. The most important step in handling your disease is not the diagnosis but the lifestyle changes needed to manage it. An inability to manage diabetes causes many concerns for your feet. Damage to your nerves, veins, and arteries can be so severe that amputation is the only treatment option. Below is a short list on how to maintain healthy feet and prevent problems caused by diabetes.
Wash feet daily.
Use mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your feet in the mornings or before bed. Make sure to dry carefully with a towel especially between toes and apply talcum powder to wick away any remaining moisture.
Inspect feet and toes daily.
Every day check your feet for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails.
Wear thick soft socks.
Socks made with acrylic blend are great but avoid mended socks or those with seams that can cause skin injuries such as blisters.
Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy shoes.
Poorly fitted shoes are involved in the majority of problems that lead to amputations. Your foot size and shape may change over time leading to skin injuries if changes are not accounted for.
Stop smoking.
Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems, which can increase in diabetics.
Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself.
At-home treatments can burn the skin and cause lasting damage to your feet, while cutting can lead to more serious ulcers and lacerations.
Don't wear anything too tight around the legs.
Panty hose, panty girdles, thigh-highs, knee-highs, or men's dress socks can constrict circulation to legs and feet.
See your podiatric physician.
Regular visits to your podiatric physician are the best way to make sure your feet remain healthy.