The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports that 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body, including the feet. Maintaning good control of your diabetes can help to prevent neuropathy and other foot problems. Diabetics should take special care of their feet by checking them daily, keeping their feet clean and dry, washing them daily and protecting them from heat and cold. Problems with the feet should be reported to and evaluated by your doctor.
Poor Circulation and Neuropathy
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can lead to the blood vessels in the foot and leg narrowing. This results in poor circulation. The feet may feel cold, or some persons experience pain with walking. Prevention strategies for poor circulation in diabetics include exercising and not smoking. Complications to the feet or toes also arise because of neuropathy, or nerve damage that occurs due to diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, nerve damage can decrease sensation in the feet, which can lead to injury and other related problems.
Dryness and Calluses
Due to nerve damage, sometimes the natural oils do not lubricate the feet enough. This can lead to skin dryness and cracking of the skin. Checking the feet daily for dryness, moisturizing with a thin layer of cream or lotion, and keeping skin clean are important measures in preventing problems related to dry or cracked skin on the feet. Inspect the bottom of the feet for open or cracked areas that can lead to infection. Hardened skin on the feet can lead to calluses if not taken care of appropriately and on time. The American Diabetes Association recommends using a pumice stone on wet skin to help prevent calluses followed by lotion on the feet.
Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers or open wounds on the foot are common foot problems for people with diabetes. If you find an ulcer on your foot, and you have diabetes, visit your doctor. Diabetes can slow down the wound healing process, putting you at risk for an infection and even an amputation of the area. In order to prevent foot ulcers, wear well fitting shoes, do not put prolonged pressure on one area, and inspect the feet daily for any problems.
Amputations
Dryness, poor circulation, and nerve damage in the feet puts one with diabetes at risk for amputation of parts of the foot. It is important that people who have diabetes do not smoke. Smoking can lead to poor circulation, which puts one with diabetes at a higher risk for amputations.
Other Foot Problems
Conditions that people get without diabetes include bunions, hammertoes, warts, or ingrown toenails. If these problems crop up in someone with diabetes it can become problematic. Nerve damage can prevent the healing of these problems, while the risk for infection becomes greater when the blood sugars are not controlled. Wearing shoes that fit properly, keeping skin clean and dry, and checking the feet daily for problems are important measures in preventing complications from these common foot problems.
