Everyone has foot issues now and then but if you are a diabetic even a common foot issue can lead to an infection or other serious complications. In some cases amputation is required. Winter can bring additional risks for the diabetic because the cold weather can increase the lack of sensation in the lower extremities caused by neuropathy. This can result in increased falls due to unsteadiness, increased injuries and the inability to detect foot sores and blisters. Because of the nerve disease and poor circulation in their extremities, diabetics need to not rely on their senses but rather have a rigorous foot care routine especially during the Winter months.

Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy during the Winter months if you are a diabetic:

Maintain Dry Feet

When it comes to your feet, rain, snow and slushy weather have something in common: they cause dampness. Moisture that collects between your toes and on your feet and toes can form bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Be sure to wear shoes that are water-proof and keep feet toasty with the diabetic thermal socks which keep your feet warm while keeping moisture away.

Wear the Proper Fitting Shoes For the Weather

Diabetics should wear shoes that are well-fitted, preferably with a wide toe box. Also, look for shoes that are lined with warm material and have a water-proof exterior. Keep in mind how much additional space you need to account for thicker socks.

Moisturize your Feet Liberally Daily

To keep skin hydrated and prevent cracking, use a moisturizer daily. However, don’t moisturize in between the toes as this could lead to a fungal infection. Diabetics have poor circulation which decreases the moisturizing glands in patients leading to severe dryness in the feet.

Avoid Direct Heat to Your Feet.

To minimize dryness and the risk of burning their feet, diabetics should not apply any heat to their feet. It may seem like a cozy thing to do on a cold Winter day but warming your feet by the fire can lead to dire consequences. With the lowered sensitivity of diabetic feet, the chance of burning them is quite high. Diabetic people may not feel that their feet are burning and can experience second and third degree burns. Diabetics should not apply heat in a car, place their feet by a fire, dip into hot water foot baths and avoid heading devices such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads.

Get Regular Foot Exams From a Pedorthist

With proper foot care and regular professional exams, patients with diabetes can lessen their chances of incurring a foot issue. With regular visits, a Pedorthist can notice changes in their patients’ feet and provide the appropriate treatment.

If you are a diabetic contact us for an appointment and we can help you create a hygiene plan and select the right shoes for you.

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Diabetics most often endure some form of foot pain because of nerve damage and poor circulation. Nerve damage occurs due to Peripheral Neuropathy. Peripheral Neuropathy refers to the damage to the peripheral nerves due to consistently high insulin levels. Peripheral Neuropathy foot pain can either manifest as numbness or also a burning, stabbing sharp pain. The foot pain can start off minimal but can worsen over time and spread up the legs to make walking unbearable. Even soft touches can feel painful.

There are generally 2 types of Diabetic foot pain. The first type is often described by patients as shooting, lightning-like, tingling, burning or sharp. The second type is the feeling similar to an uncomfortable numbness. Some people have also noticed that their feet feel hot or cold for no apparent reason. Increased ultra-sensitively to touch has also been observed. Further symptoms can include a loss of reflexes, muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination. 

Although any Diabetic can develop Peripheral Neuropathy some factors increase the risk. You are most likely to develop Peripheral Neuropathy if you don’t control your blood sugar adequately, have kidney disease, are overweight,  have a longer history of Diabetes or are a smoker. Staying healthy and controlling your blood sugar will help avoid developing Peripheral Neuropathy.

You can also prevent or delay Diabetic Neuropathy and foot pain by controlling your blood sugar, having annual foot checks by your doctor and performing a comprehensive daily Diabetic foot care regimen. If you have Diabetic foot pain contact us and we can help you reduce the pain.

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Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. If you are a diabetic, daily foot care is extremely important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, daily foot care ensures you are doing all that you can to protect your feet from injury. Secondly, by having a daily foot care routine, you can be sure to catch any injuries right away. Prevention is definitely the best medicine for diabetic feet.

Make things easier by having a foot care kit assembled with the following items: lotion, nail file, nail clippers and a non-breakable mirror. Keep this foot care kit in a convenient location so that you can easily access it right after you bathe or shower. Making it conveniently accessible will ensure you will more likely stick to your foot care routine. Make sure you follow this routine every day

Wash your feet with mild soap and dry your feet carefully especially between the toes.

Thoroughly inspect your feet for any red spots, cuts, bruising, ingrown toenails or blisters.

Apply lotion to your feet but not in between the toes because the extra moisture promotes infection.

If you do find  any cuts or scratches clean them with mild soap and cover with a dry dressing for sensitive skin.

Wear clean socks to bed.

Some other things you can do are:

Wear shoes and clean socks at all times to protect your feet

wear white socks so any injuries can be visually seen right away

keep nails trimmed straight across and file edges. Do not cut nails too short

When sitting put your feet up

wear well fitting supportive shoes that do not rub or pinch

increase circulation by wiggling toes and rotating ankles a few times a day

exercise regularly to improve circulation

Try to avoid:

wearing anything tight around your legs

crossing your legs

smoking

using hot water bottles or blankets that may burn your feet without you feeling it

If you are diabetic and have any concerns regarding your feet, please contact Dr Mann for an appointment.

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Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for people with diabetes, even for those in the earliest stages of the disease. If there is any evidence of neuropathy, or lack of sensation, wearing the right footwear is crucial. By working with a physician and a footwear professional, such as a certified pedorthist, many patients can prevent serious diabetic foot complications

Why Diabetic Foot Care is Important

Diabetics need to be extra vigilant with their foot care. Diabetics often have reduced blood flow accompanied by Diabetes Peripheral Neuropathy which is nerve damage. Because of the nerve damage, diabetics cannot feel sensations of pain in their feet. Therefore, even small cuts, blisters and open wounds (foot ulcers) can go unnoticed and quickly become infected. Foot ulcers are the result of the top layer skin breaking down to expose the tissue underneath. Without the skin’s protection the tissue breaks down and can become infected. In addition, the poor blood flow increases the healing time for the cut or sore. In some cases poor foot care can lead to the amputation of a foot or leg.

In order to avoid serious implications and issues with their feet, Diabetics need to have a detailed foot care routine to catch cuts and sores before they become infected.Feet should be inspected every day for blisters, cuts, sores, bruises, redness, swelling and warm areas. If you do find any signs of injury, see a medical professional and do not try to treat it yourself. Also, never walk barefoot,in thongs or open sandals. This opens up the door to potential injuries.

Diabetic Footcare

Diabetics also need to wear special shoes that not only protect their feet but also accommodate any deformities. Diabetics are susceptible to issues such as foot ulcers, and Charcot foot which can deform the foot. Special diabetic shoes treat these issues while the foot heals. Even if you do not have any foot issues, you still need to wear protective shoes to prevent any problems. Shoes need to fit properly, relieve any pressure points, reduce shock to the bottom of the foot and limit the motion of joints. Shoe fittings should be done with a registered Pedorthist to ensure the best fit. It is difficult for people to judge the correct style and size and those with sensation loss will have an even more challenging time. \

Orthotics for Diabetics

Diabetics may also require a custom made orthotic that will relieve pressure in certain areas and absorb shock. Total contact orthoses provide comfort, protection and pressure relief for the entire foot. Diabetic orthotics help to avoid pressure sores from developing as a result of friction inside the shoe.

If you have any questions regarding diabetic foot care, need to be fitted for diabetic shoes or require custom orthotics, please contact Dr Mann for an appointment.

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