Diabetic Foot Care – Podiatrist in Jacksonville, FL

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According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

Always keep your feet warm.Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain.
Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
Don’t soak your feet.
Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.

Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion between your toes.

Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
Wear loose socks to bed.
Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
Buy shoes that are comfortable without a “breaking in” period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, bottom of heel, and sole. Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels. Try to get shoes made with leather upper material and deep toe boxes. Wear new shoes for only two hours or less at a time. Don’t wear the same pair everyday. Inspect the inside of each shoe before putting it on. Don’t lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.

Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.
When your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced “sharko”) foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn’t hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.

The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot’s movement and supports its contours if you don’t put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.

Visit our website: http://www.firstcoastfootclinic.com

Tips for Taking Care of Diabetic Feet

By Chris Dillon

People who have diabetes know that they need to take extra care of their feet to reduce or eliminate the pain and complications often associated with the disease. Pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, including the feet, are commonly experienced by people with diabetes. Neuropathy can cause injuries to go unnoticed, and reduced circulation to the extremities can slow healing after an injury has occurred. Here are a few precautions that may be recommended to help care for diabetic feet:

Thoroughly inspect feet for injuries each day. A loss of sensation can lead cuts, bruises, blisters or ulcers on the feet to go unnoticed in people with diabetes. Discovering and treating any such problems early can help keep them from worsening. Examining the feet daily is a good idea for anyone with diabetes.

Contact your medical professional immediately if any foot problems are observed. Discovering and treating any potential foot issues early gives you the chance to begin treatment right away. Many foot related problems can worsen or become infected if they go unnoticed.

Wear properly fitted diabetic footwear for your needs. Diabetic footwear is designed to provide optimal support and distribute the weight of the body such that foot pain is minimized. Podiatrists and certified pedorthists can help people with diabetes select appropriately fitted footwear for their needs.

Avoid going barefoot to reduce the chance of injury. Preventing cuts and other foot injuries is a precaution that can help minimize foot problems and infections in diabetics. Wearing shoes at all times is one way to help prevent unnecessary injuries that can lead to infections.

Wash and dry feet well daily. Washing the feet daily helps promote foot health. Drying the feet completely, particularly between the toes, is also very important for people who have diabetes.

Work with your doctor to determine what treatments work for you. Since the same treatments options may not work for each patient, working with a medical professional such as a podiatrist or certified pedorthist will help you determine the best way to care for your feet.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tips-for-taking-care-of-diabetic-feet-1165282.html

About the Author

Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a provider of wholesale orthopedic products including diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, braces and more. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Foot Care For Diabetics

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By Shaun Parker

 

Shaun Parker is a leading podiatrist and chiropodist in London, with many years of experience in foot care. Find out more about chiropody at: http://www.gotosee.co.uk/therapies/Podiatry-(Chiropody).htm.

Not only do diabetics have to keep an eye on their diet, monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin shots, they must also ensure their feet are free from infection. With an estimated 120 million diabetics worldwide, podiatry has its work cut out treating the foot problems associated with diabetes. Foot ulcers, infections and even amputation are among the risks diabetics face from poor foot care. However, by following some simple guidelines, and regular visits to a podiatrist, diabetics can keep their feet clean, healthy and reduce the risk of disability.

People with diabetes have impaired nerve and circulatory function. Nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation in the extremities, often the feet. An insensitivity to pain means the diabetic may not feel a blister, cut or sore on their foot. Poor circulation means that blood flow to the foot is reduced, impacting on the resistance to infection or the healing of an existing infection. An aggressive infection can potentially lead to the loss of a toe, foot or leg. Every year in the UK, nearly 5,000 diabetics need an amputation arising from a foot infection.

Half of all foot ulcers and amputations on people with diabetes could be prevented through improved foot care. Diabetics should develop a daily routine of inspection and cleaning along with periodic examination by a podiatrist. Diabetics should inspect their feet every morning and night checking for blisters, cuts and inflammation or toenail problems. It may be necessary to use a mirror to see the sole of the foot or ask someone else to take a look. Feet should be washed in warm water using a mild soap and dried carefully but thoroughly(paying particular attention to between the toes). Once dry, the feet should be moisturised. Podiatrists sell a specialist foot moisturiser that can prevent dry skin from cracking, however this shouldn’t be used between the toes as this can cause a fungal infection.

Toenails should be cut straight and across but not too short as this can lead to an ingrowing nail. Also file down any edges to prevent snagging. Socks should be clean, dry, changed daily and not be too tight around the ankle as this can restrict circulation (remember, diabetics can have poor circulation to the extremities). Before putting on shoes, diabetics should check inside and shake them out; a small stone can easily cause a cut or irritation to the foot. When at home, avoid walking around the house in bare feet; wear slippers with a hard rubber sole. Diabetics are advised to avoid walking in bare feet on any occasion as the risk of a scratch or cut is possible on any surface. Heat should never be applied to the feet with hot water bottles or heat pads. If feet get cold in bed at night, wear a clean pair of socks instead.

Even following all these guidelines, diabetics are as prone to corns and calluses as non-diabetics. However, diabetics should not use corn plasters or chemical agents to treat the problem. Regular podiatry visits will clear up any skin problems and if creams or solutions are needed the podiatrist will recommend safe products. A podiatrist can also give advice on correctional devices like orthotics that can be placed in the sole of the shoe to ease pressure on the foot and prevent blisters forming.

Awareness, common sense, cleanliness and treatment from a trained podiatry practitioner can prevent diabetics from developing foot problems that can potentially lead to disastrous consequences.

Source: Shaun Parker

Diabetes and Your Feet

Problems

• Signs of Foot Problems
• Protecting Your Feet

Take extra care of your feet to prevent injuries.

Nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections can cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes. There’s a lot you can do to prevent problems with your feet. Controlling your blood glucose and not smoking or using tobacco can help protect your feet. You can also take some simple safeguards each day to care for and protect your feet. Over half of diabetes-related amputations can be prevented with regular exams and patient education.

It’s helpful to understand why foot problems happen. Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. Sometimes nerve damage can deform or misshape your feet, causing pressure points that can turn into blisters, sores, or ulcers. Poor circulation can make these injuries slow to heal.

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Signs of Foot Problems top

Your feet may tingle, burn, or hurt. You may not be able to feel touch, heat, or cold very well. The shape of your feet can change over time. There may even be changes in the color and temperature of your feet. Some people lose hair on their toes, feet, and lower legs. The skin on your feet may be dry and cracked. Toenails may turn thick and yellow. Fungus infections can grow between your toes. Blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns, and ingrown toenails need to be seen by your health care provider or foot doctor (podiatrist) right away.

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Protecting Your Feet top

Get Your Health Care Provider to Check Your Feet at Least 4 Times a Year

Ask your health care provider to look at your feet at least 4 times a year. As a reminder, take off your shoes and socks when you’re in the exam room. Have your sense of feeling and your pulses checked at least once a year. If you have nerve damage, deformed or misshaped feet, or a circulation problem, your feet need special care. Ask your health care provider to show you how to care for your feet. Also ask if special shoes would help you.

Ask your health care provider to check your feet at least 4 times a year.

Check Your Feet Each Day

You may have serious foot problems yet feel no pain. Look at your feet every day to see if you have scratches, cracks, cuts, or blisters. Always check between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. If you can’t bend over to see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror that won’t break. If you can’t see well, ask a family member or friend to help you. Call your health care provider at once if you have a sore on your foot. Sores can get worse quickly.

Wash Your Feet Daily

Be sure to dry between your toes.

Wash your feet every day. Dry them with care, especially between the toes. Don’t soak your feet—it can dry out your skin, and dry skin can lead to infections. Rub lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet—but not between your toes. Moisture between the toes will let germs grow that could cause an infection. Ask your health care provider for the name of a good lotion or cream.

Trim Your Toenails Carefully

Trim your toenails after you’ve washed and dried your feet—the nails will be softer and safer to cut. Trim the nails to follow the natural curve of your toes. Don’t cut into the corners. Use an emery board to smooth the edges.

If you can’t see well, or if your nails are thick or yellowed, get them trimmed by a foot doctor or another health care provider. Ask your health care provider for the name of a foot doctor. If you see redness around the nails, see your health care provider at once.

Treat Corns and Calluses Gently

Don’t cut corns and calluses. Ask your health care provider how to gently use a pumice stone to rub them. Don’t use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn or callus removers—they can damage your skin.

Protect Your Feet from Heat and Cold

Hot water or hot surfaces are a danger to your feet. Before bathing, test the water with a bath thermometer (90° to 95°F is safe) or with your elbow. Wear shoes and socks when you walk on hot surfaces, such as beaches or the pavement around swimming pools. In summer, be sure to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Wear shoes to protect your feet from hot surfaces.

You also need to protect your feet from the cold. In winter, wear socks and footwear such as fleece-lined boots to protect your feet. If your feet are cold at night, wear socks. Don’t use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets—they can burn your feet. Don’t use strong antiseptic solutions or adhesive tape on your feet.

Always Wear Shoes and Socks

Wear shoes and socks at all times. Don’t walk barefoot—not even indoors.

Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Don’t wear shoes that have plastic uppers, and don’t wear sandals with thongs between the toes. Ask your health care provider what types of shoes are good choices for you.

New shoes should be comfortable at the time you buy them—don’t expect them to stretch out. Slowly break in new shoes by wearing them only 1 or 2 hours a day.

Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes. Choose socks made of cotton or wool—they help keep your feet dry.

Before you put on your shoes each time, look and feel inside them. Check for any loose objects, nail points, torn linings, and rough areas—these can cause injuries. If your shoes aren’t smooth inside, wear other shoes.

Be Physically Active

Physical activity can help increase the circulation in your feet. There are many ways you can exercise your feet, even during times you’re not able to walk. Ask your health care team about things you can do to exercise your feet and legs.

For more information on foot care, call the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-860-8747.

Being active is a healthy way to live.

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