Diabetes and Footcare

Diabetes has a high rate of complications that affect the feet.  It is estimated that 25% of diabetics will develop complications involving the feet.  These complications include a loss of circulation (peripheral vascular disease) and a loss of sensation (peripheral neuropathy), and may lead to a greater risk of an infection.

Feet with poor circulation are more susceptible to cramps, varicose veins, dry and scaling skin, ulcerations, and possibly gangrene.  Feet with a loss of sensation may not be aware of an inability to feel extreme temperatures, areas of irritation, and/or pain.  These potential losses also increase the risk of infection and make diabetes the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations.

Diabetic patients, and other patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy, should check their feet on a daily basis.  In addition, they should have routine evaluations by their podiatrist.  Click here to check out the "Do's and Don'ts of Diabetes"  There are warning signs that you should be aware of so you can call them to the attention of your podiatrist.  They include, but are not limited to: 

• Skin color changes

• Elevation in skin temperature

• Swelling of the foot or ankle

• Pain in the foot, ankle, or legs

• Open sores on the feet

• Ingrown and/or fungal toenails

• Corns and calluses

• Dry cracks in the skin

Our office practices aggressive preventative medicine for this high risk population.  We emphasize the need for periodic maintenance of deformities to reduce potential risks.  Prevention is the key to successful care.