Feet may seem like a small part of the body, but they play a significant role in your mobility and overall health, especially if you have diabetes.
Dr. Kadie E. Leach is an internal medicine physician and diabetes specialist in the metropolitan area of Washington, DC. Here, she shares her insight regarding diabetes foot care and tips for ensuring it’s part of your diabetes management plan.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy and poor blood circulation, both of which often show up in your feet first.
Diabetic neuropathy, or peripheral nerve damage, can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Reduced blood flow, another common complication of diabetes, hinders the body's ability to heal properly.
These factors create a perfect storm for foot problems, ranging from minor cuts and blisters resulting in more severe infections and non-healing ulcers to persistent swelling, pain, and problems with balance and mobility.
Due to a compromised immune system, another complication of diabetes, people with diabetes are more susceptible to rapidly spreading infections, which can pose severe health risks, including tissue death (gangrene) and lower limb amputations.
Untreated foot issues in people with diabetes can escalate quickly, making daily foot inspections and healthy hygiene essential. Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly, applying moisturizer to help nourish and protect the skin.
A daily foot inspection is crucial and should include checking for cuts, blisters, swelling, skin redness, or changes in skin temperature and sensitivity. Inspecting the bottoms of the feet, including the spaces between the toes, is also essential.
This daily routine can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Catching problems early allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of complications.
For instance, an area of redness could indicate a pressure point related to ill-fitting shoes that may soon evolve into a foot ulcer.
Selecting appropriate footwear is another critical component of diabetes foot care. Shoes that are tight or have seams and rough areas inside can cause friction, leading to blisters and calluses.
Instead, choose well-fitting shoes with ample toe room and supportive cushioning. Try to avoid walking barefoot, even indoors, to help prevent injuries.
Depending on your age, blood sugar control, and overall health, Dr. Leach may recommend annual, semi-annual, or quarterly follow-up visits. It’s essential to attend these visits as directed and obtain any lab tests that Dr. Leach requests to evaluate your diabetes management strategy.
Your routine diabetes checks also include a general exam of pulses, skin, and sensation in your lower legs and feet. If she spots calluses, nail issues, or another problem, Dr. Leach may refer you for a visit with a podiatrist or another specialist.
Otherwise, Dr. Leach works closely with you to ensure your care plan focuses on excellent blood sugar control via diet, exercise, and medications when necessary. This strategy helps protect nerves, blood vessels, feet, eyes, kidneys, the heart, and other organs from diabetes-related damage.
Take control of your health. Schedule a visit with Dr. Leach today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
