April 10, 2009
Wound care: The diabetic foot
Editor’s note: The following article was provided by Trista Neisen in the Marketing and Public Relations Department of St. Mary’s Medical Center, Evansville.
Wound care: The diabetic foot
Nearly sixteen million Americans have diabetes and about 25 percent of them will develop foot problems associated with their disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy (diabetic nerve damage).
Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold, which means diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of.
If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, and Charcot feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative footcare measures, he or she can reduce the risk of developing a serious foot condition.
The following are care tips from the National Institutes of Health:
- Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.
- Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing.
- Wash your feet every day. Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water every day. Dry your feet well and be sure to dry between your toes.
- Keep the skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- Smooth corns and calluses gently. If your feet are at low risk for problems, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses. Don’t use over-the-counter products or sharp objects on corns or calluses.
- If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them each week or when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk bare foot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
- Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Wear socks at night if your feet get cold. Don’t test bath water with your feet. Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads.
- Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times a day. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time. Don’t smoke.
- Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your doctor.
- Check with your doctor. Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury. Call your doctor right away if you find a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot that does not begin to heal after one day. Follow your doctor’s advice about foot care.