Embedded Files
Diabetes mellitus is a long-term condition that disrupts the body’s ability to maintain normal blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose, an essential energy source for cells, is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. In diabetes, the body either produces insufficient insulin, cannot use it effectively, or both, resulting in persistently high blood sugar levels that can lead to significant health problems over time.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels reduces sensation in the feet, making injuries or pressure points go unnoticed.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Diabetes causes narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the legs, reducing blood supply to the feet, slowing healing and increasing the risk of infection.
Increased Risk of Ulcers: With peripheral neuropathy and PAD, pressure points or unnoticed injuries can develop into non-healing ulcers.
Skin Changes: Dry, cracked skin caused by sudomotor dysfunction increases the foot's vulnerability to infections.
Foot Deformities: Structural abnormalities such as pes cavus, hammertoes, or Charcot foot create areas of high pressure, increasing the risk of ulcers.
Weakened Immunity: Diabetes weakens the immune response, making patients more susceptible to infections and less able to fight them effectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Foot
Numbness or Tingling: A loss of sensation, tingling, or burning in the feet due to neuropathy.
Skin Changes: Dry, cracked skin with reduced integrity, increasing the risk of infections.
Color Changes in the Feet: Poor blood supply caused by peripheral arterial disease may result in pale, bluish, or purplish discoloration, especially in the toes.
Cold Feet: Reduced blood flow can lead to a noticeable drop in foot temperature.
Deformities: Structural abnormalities like hammertoes or claw toes increase the risk of pressure sores.
Poor Healing: Cuts or injuries take a long time to heal due to reduced circulation.
Active or History of Foot Ulcers: Open sores or wounds, commonly at pressure points like the sole, that heal slowly or may become infected. If untreated, ulcers may lead to amputation.
The Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care
Podiatrists are vital in preventing, diagnosing, and managing diabetic foot complications. Regular podiatric care is crucial in reducing the risk of serious foot problems in people with diabetes. Here’s how a podiatrist contributes to diabetic foot care:
Foot Examinations: Regular check-ups to detect early signs of complications like neuropathy, poor circulation, and skin changes.
Patient Education: Guidance on proper foot care, including daily inspections and selecting appropriate footwear.
Treatment of Wounds and Ulcers:
Podiatrists play a critical role in managing foot ulcers, wounds, and infections that are common among diabetic patients. This includes cleaning, dressing wounds, debriding ulcers, and monitoring the healing process.Managing Foot Deformities: Diabetes can lead to structural foot problems like hammertoes and Charcot foot. Podiatrists manage these conditions by assessing foot structure and offloading pressure points with orthotics or footwear.
Customised Insoles: Provide custom orthotics or recommend footwear that addresses individual foot structures and conditions, helping to distribute pressure evenly and lower the risk of ulceration.
How to Look After Diabetic Feet
Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications such as infections, ulcers, and amputations. Here are key tips for looking after diabetic feet:
Manage Blood Sugar: Keep blood sugar levels well-controlled to reduce the risk of nerve damage and poor circulation.
Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any unusual changes.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Moisturize: Apply a gentle moisturizing cream to keep the skin soft and prevent cracking. Avoid applying moisturizer between the toes, as excess moisture can promote fungal growth.
Trim Toenails Carefully: Cut toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown toenails. For high-risk diabetic patients, it is recommended to see a podiatrist for regular foot care.
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well, provide ample cushioning, and avoid tight spots.
Avoid Walking Barefoot: Never walk barefoot, even indoors, to avoid stepping on sharp objects or injuring your feet.
Visit a Podiatrist Regularly: Have regular foot check-ups with a podiatrist to detect early signs of issues like neuropathy, circulatory problems, infections, or deformities.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse