Diabetic foot complications range from burning pain to numbness that can make it difficult to detect an injury until an infection develops. To make matters worse, poor circulation hampers healing. This combination can be very dangerous.
Fortunately, Dr. Biren Shah and his compassionate team at Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates provide advanced foot care for individuals living with diabetes.
Your treatment is customized, and we’re happy to provide information about minimizing your chances of experiencing diabetes-related foot problems.
Here are just a few of the potential foot injuries you may not notice due to diabetes-related numbness:
Diabetic foot ulcers often begin as a small area of pressure from an ill-fitting shoe but can quickly enlarge in circumference and depth. This puts you at high risk of developing an infection, which, if not treated promptly and correctly, can progress to amputation.
The name of the game is avoiding injury to the skin of your feet, so Dr. Shah advises his patients to start doing these things daily:
It’s essential to inspect your feet thoroughly every day. This allows you to uncover minor injuries, redness, or skin irritation that may have developed, and alert Dr. Shah if you find something.
Wearing socks helps prevent fungal infections by absorbing sweat and cushioning your feet against the hard surfaces of your shoes.
Aim for wearing white or light-colored, seamless socks (seams can be irritating) so you can see any blood that might come from an injury. For cooler seasons, choosing socks made of wool or a synthetic fabric, both of which wick away moisture, is also a wise choice.
There are even special socks made for people coping with diabetes that offer more cushioning, don’t have constricting elastic at the tops, and help keep moisture away from your skin.
Dr. Shah also recommends wearing socks to bed. Never sleep with something in your bed that could burn or injure your feet, like a hot water bottle.
Take the time to go to the shoe store and get help from a professional salesperson. They can accurately size your feet. When choosing a pair, ensure there’s a little room between your big toe and the tip of your shoe to prevent tightness, rubbing, or other discomfort.
To be on the safe side, look inside your shoes and shake them out before putting them on, so you’re sure to remove any small objects, such as pebbles, that could cause injury.
Shoe shopping later in the day is also beneficial because that’s when your feet are their biggest. Finally, wear the appropriate shoes for the activity you’re performing.
Wash your feet each day, but use only warm water, as water that’s too hot can cause skin irritation. Moisturize them too, but avoid putting lotion between your toes to prevent moisture buildup that can invite fungal infections. Using powder or even spraying antiperspirant on the soles of your feet can help control perspiration.
When trimming your toenails, always cut them straight across and avoid cutting the corners too short. This can lead to painful and infection-prone ingrown toenails.
Smoking limits blood flow to your feet, and nicotine can also wreak havoc with your blood sugar levels, making them go up or down.
If it’s cold or wet, wear warm socks and waterproof boots to protect your feet from the harsh elements.
Continue making appointments for routine diabetic foot checks with Dr. Shah so he can periodically examine your feet and ensure everything is in order. Seeing him frequently means that he’ll notice any issues sooner rather than later, which is crucial when it comes to your foot health and living with diabetes.
However, don’t wait to contact us if you notice any problems between appointments. We’re your partners in care, and deeply invested in keeping you safe from any dangerous foot issues caused by diabetes.
Contact our Rockford or Elgin office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah today, or use our convenient online booking tool.
