Put Your Best Foot Forward
By
Gwendolyn Davis, RN – Case Manager
Foot complications secondary to diabetes not only cause discomfort, but can have a negative effect on quality of life, such as loss of employment or decreased independence. Common foot problems can include:
Neuropathy – Diabetic nerve damage that can cause pain, tingling sensations or in many cases a loss of sensation that can lead to a decreased ability to detect when a foot injury occurs. Further complications come when an unnoticed injury becomes infected, as healing occurs more slowly in diabetic patients.
Skin changes – Excessive dryness and cracking can occur due to damage of the nerves that control oil and moisture levels of the feet.
Calluses – These thickened, hard layers of skin build up due to the presence of high pressure areas under the foot.
Foot ulcers – Ulcers occur most often on the ball of the feet, but also develop on the sides of the feet due to improper fitting shoes.
Poor circulation – Diabetes can cause the vessels of the feet and legs to narrow and harden, which then leads to decreased blood circulation and poor healing time.
Amputation – People with diabetes are much more likely to have an amputation procedure. This is because those with diabetes are more prone to having peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes a decrease in circulation, and coupled with neuropathy the chances of ulcers and infection increase dramatically.
It is recommended that people with diabetes get a complete and thorough foot exam at least once per year to check for signs of neuropathy or other changes to the feet. What should you expect when your health care provider performs a foot exam?
A few other helpful hints to keep your feet comfortable and healthy:
Examine your feet daily, or have someone help you look for reddened areas, blisters or cuts and report any changes to your health care provider.
Wash your feet daily, but do not soak your feet as this can cause excessive dryness that can lead to cracking and infection. Ensure that your feet are dried thoroughly, especially between the toes.
You should apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet, but avoid putting lotion between the toes as this can be a starting point for infection.
When trimming toenails, cut them straight across using toenail clippers. If ever in doubt, or if you do not feel comfortable trimming your toenails, ask for a referral from your health care provider to see a podiatrist or foot care nurse.
Stopping use of tobacco products can decrease your chances of foot related problems, as tobacco decreases the blood flow to the feet. Talk to your health care provider about options for helping you to quit using tobacco products. Joining support groups can provide a support system and fresh tips that can aid in the journey of smoking cessation. Go to https://ndquits.health.nd.gov/ for more information about smoking cessation.
Dr. Guy Slann, D.P.M, is Elbowoods’ podiatrist who is available at the clinic two days per month. If you are having issues such as foot pain or ingrown toenails, talk to your primary health care provider who can place a consult for you to be scheduled for a podiatry clinic visit.
To make an appointment or for assistance with diabetes management/nutrition, call the Diabetes Program at 701-627-7931.
