1 Foot 2 Foot

Effects of Diabetes

Nerve damage results in numbness, extensive burning, pain, coldness, "pins and needles" and/or tingling while at rest. These nerves may actually affect the "position" sense, so that the joints or bones actually collapse with time.

Blocked blood vessels or decreased blood flow results in fewer nutrients reaching the feet. Without proper nourishment, sores on the foot may not heal in the normal time period, or may be vulnerable to secondary problems such as infection.

Weakened bones can cause a shift in the foot, which may become deformed, changing the way the foot distributes pressure.

Collapsed joints, especially in the area of the arch. As a result, the arch can no longer absorb pressure. The surrounding skin may also begin to break down.

Blisters and Calluses. Diabetics are much more vulnerable to blister or callus formation, which generally starts as a warm or red spot caused by unrelieved skin pressure and the failure of the diabetic to feel the area.

Ulcers or sores more easily occur as a result of the breakdown of several layers of skin. These ulcers may also become infected, and may require a long period to heal.

Bone Infection. The final manifestation of all this is a bone infection, where the breakdown of tissue goes all the way to the bone. Secondary bone infection can then occur, in some cases resulting in loss of the foot.

10 Steps to Diabetic Foot Care

1. Inspect your feet daily. Look for redness, swelling, open sores or drainage. Use a mirror to look at the sole (underside) of your foot.
2. Prevent dry brittle skin. Avoid soaking your feet. Wash your feet with warm soapy water. Be sure to dry well between your toes.
3. Don't "self-treat" sore feet with heat unsupervised, especially if you have nerve damage (neuropathy). The heat can burn your sensitive skin.
4. Get help trimming your toenails to avoid ingrown toenails or injury. Your diabetes may have affected your vision or you may not be as limber as necessary to do a safe job trimming your nails.
5. Poorly fitting shoes can cause sensitive pressure areas and impair circulation, which can lead to infection of the skin, muscle, and bone.
6. Remember to check your shoes periodically for signs of wear, foreign objects or insects. Be aware that your diabetes may cause a loss of feeling or poor circulation. Shoes that rub can cause foot or skin pain.
7. Don't use caustic medicines to treat your own corns or calluses. The chemicals can burn your sensitive skin and lead to serious infection.
8. Going barefoot is strongly discouraged. Walking barefoot increases the risk of injury or infection to your toes and feet.
9. Sandals with thongs can cause friction between your toes. Friction can lead to redness in the skin and in turn, can cause a break in the skin and the beginning of an infection.
10. The single most important thing you can do to protect your feet is to control your sugar through diet and exercise.