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Diabetes
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Diabetic ulceration of the
big toe. |
Diabetes is a chronic disease which afflicts about 16 million people
in the U.S. About 15% of diabetics will develop an ulceration
on a foot during their lifetimes and 20% of these ulcerations
will lead to amputations.
The annual incidence of amputations with diabetes Is 54,000,
according to the American
Diabetes Association. Diabetes can contribute to foot problems
in two ways, it can cause decreased feeling In the feet,
so that injuries such as cuts and scrapes may go unnoticed,
and/or it can cause decreased circulation to the feet, resulting
in a reduced blood supply that may be insufficient to fight
infection and heal wounds. The risks of developing foot
problems can be greatly reduced if you follow the simple
principles of foot
care, exercise, healthy
nutrition, monitoring of the blood sugar, and
seeing
your physician on a regular basis. |
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR FEET
Wash your feet everyday. Use warm
(not hot) water, and mild soap. Do not put your feet In the water without
testing it first with your hand, elbow, or a thermometer. Pat your feet dry
with a soft towel, making sure to dry between the toes. Do not rub the skin too
vigorously. If your skin is dry, or shows evidence of cracking, use a
moisturizing cream as prescribed by your doctor. Never put the cream between
your toes. Foot powder, used sparingly, can help if you have a problem with
excessive perspiration. Change stockings daily. Do not wear stockings that have
been mended or have seams because these can Injure or irritate the skin. Never
try to cut calluses or corns with a razor blade, or any sharp Instrument. Do
not use garters or elastics to hold up stockings. Do not smoke. |
FOOTWEAR
Shoes that fit poorly can cause irritation and injury. Shoes should
have enough room for the toes to wiggle freely and fit snugly, but not tightly.
Make sure there is plenty of room for your foes. Avoid shoes made of vinyl or
plastic. Avoid high heeled shoes. Never wear shoes without socks. Leather shoes
allow your feet to breathe the best. New shoes should be broken in gradually.
You should Inspect the inside of your shoes daily for tom linings or foreign
objects. Remember, diabetic patients sometimes have decreased sensation and can
be unaware of something inside the shoe. Walking or athletic shoes may be
helpful for some diabetic patients. Jif you have foot deformities, you may need
special therapeutic
shoes. |
WARNING SIGNS
OF DIABETIC FOOT PROBLEMS:
Take the
DIABETIC RISK
TEST to evaluate your risk!! Notify your physician immediately if you
notice any of these conditions: |
- Color changes of the skin
- Swelling of the foot or ankle
- Open sores, with or without
drainage
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Ingrown and fungal-infected
toenails
- Dry fissures (cracks) in the
skin
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- Elevation of skin temperature
- Pain in the legs, resting or
walking
- Corns or calluses
- Injuries to the foot or ankle
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OTHER RELATED DIABETES WEBSITES
Diabetes Fact and
figures--A comprehensive fact list about diabetes 29
pages
New Foot Ulcer
Medication--Regranex
Foot
Care-41
pages
You can contact Dr. A.J. Galluzzo in
Rockford, IL at
Tel: (815)
633-3050
or in
Chicago, IL at
Tel: (312)
944-2929 |
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