THE DANGERS OF DIABETES
Two problems associated with diabetes are diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes) and peripheral vascular disease (poor blood flow due to diabetes). These common foot problems can be an issue in people with diabetes because it can lead to infection and serious complications like amputation. Be mindful of your feet when you have diabetes.
Athlete’s foot occurs from a fungus, which causes itching, redness and cracking. You can get an infection from the cracks in your foot. There is over the counter medicine that will treat the fungus. Fungus can also cause an infection in your toenails. These nails become discolored, thick and brittle. Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. Most medications only help a small number of fungal nail problems. Your doctor may remove the damaged nail.
Calluses occur by an uneven distribution of weight and are a buildup of hard skin. They are caused by poorly fitting shoes or a skin problem. Take care of your callus, by using a pumice stone after showering to gently remove the skin. Use cushioned pads and insoles in your shoes. Corns are similar to calluses because it is a buildup of hard skin near your toe. Take proper care of them by using a pumice stone after showering. Do not try to cut either the callus or corn with a sharp object. Blisters occur when your shoes rub the same spot on your feet over and over again. When treating blisters, do not pop them. The skin covering the blister protects you from getting an infection. Use band aids and an antibacterial cream.
Dry skin is dangerous because your skin can crack, allowing germs into your bloodstream. Use moisturizer to keep skin moist and soft. A diabetic ulcer may occur if these cracks become infected. Diabetics heal slower and therefore it is important to pay attention to any cuts on your feet because you do not want them to develop into an ulcer.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of your nails start growing into your skin causing pressure and pain. Keep your nails properly trimmed to prevent them. Surgery may be the best option for severe ingrown toenails. Plantar warts look like calluses but they may have small pinholes or tiny black spots in the center. They are usually painful and may grow singly or in clusters and are caused by a virus that infects the outer layer of skin on the soles of your feet.
When you have diabetes, you need to take proper care of your feet. Here are some tips. Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Do not soak and fully dry your feet. Check for sores, blisters, redness or cracks daily especially if you have poor blood flow. Apply moisturizer to your feet to keep them soft and moist. Gently smooth corns and calluses with a pumice stone. Trim your toenails regularly. Always wear closed-toed shoes and socks. Buy proper fitting shoes. Keep blood flowing to your feet by wiggling your toes and moving your ankles throughout the day. Don’t smoke because smoking can make your blood flow worse. If you notice foot problems that are not getting better, contact your doctor ASAP. Go for regular podiatrist visits.
If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor ASAP: change in skin color, skin temperature, swelling in your feet and ankles, pain in your legs, open sores that are healing slowly, ingrown toenails, corns or calluses, dry cracks in the skin and terrible foot odor.
If these foot problems are not checked out, they can develop into worse conditions. A small cut may lead to infections, nerve and blood vessel damage. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics. When the infection eats into bones, it creates a pocket of pus called an abscess. This abscess needs to be drained. Gangrene may also occur because blood flow is slow and if the blood flow is cut off then tissues can die. Diabetes can weaken the bones in your foot so much that they break. You may not realize your foot broke due to nerve damage. When you walk on broken bones, your foot will change shape and your arch will collapse. Since people with diabetes have problems with blood flow and nerves, if you get a foot injury and do not know it, you may have to have the foot amputated.
Should you have any questions, please contact our team here to set up an appointment online, by email at info@riverpodiatry.com or by phone at (845) 735-8440.
River Podiatry, with locations in Pearl River NY, and Midland Park NJ , provides comprehensive, treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques. Make an appointment today with Rockland County and Bergen County podiatrist Dr. Han!
