Did you know that approximately 15% of all diabetic patients will get a foot ulcer in their life3. Foot ulcers occur due to lack of sensation to the foot. Peripheral neuropathy, another condition commonly found in diabetics, damages the nerves, impairing sensation to the foot. This allows injuries to go unnoticed, leading to infections and ulceration. Diabetic foot ulcers are extremely difficult to treat, and it would take months for the wound to heal and incidence of reoccurrence is high. In the U.S., approximately 67% of all lower extremity amputations occur in diabetics, and approximately 85% are preceded by a foot ulcer4.
What to do?The key in stopping diabetic foot ulcers and possible amputations is to practice proper foot care and to control diabetes. Below are some commonly overlooked practices that can help maintain good foot health.Foot care regimen:
- Wash feet regularly. Use a mild antibacterial soap and towel dry.
- Keep foot dry. Use antiperspirant powder when wearing shoes to keep your feet dry. Excess moisture can soften the skin, making it vulnerable to skin breaks and infections.
- Moisturize. A foot that is too dry is susceptible to skin cracks, moisturize with your favorite lotion.
- Cut nails carefully.
Daily Foot inspections:
- Look for cracks or scratches and treat immediately with an antibiotic ointment.
- Check for sensation on your foot. If there is decreased sensation than usual, immediately visit your doctor.
- From time to time, inspect the insides of your shoes if there is a pebble or anything protruding that could injure your foot.
Control Diabetes:
- Take medications regularly.
- Go on a diet. Control food consumption to prevent increase in blood sugar levels.
- Do not miss your doctor’s appointments/check-ups.
Did you know that diabetics are eligible for a pair of diabetic shoes once a year through Medicare?
Medicare provides coverage for depth-inlay shoes, custom-molded shoes, and shoe inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. Designed to prevent lower-limb ulcers and amputations in people who have diabetes, this Medicare benefit can prevent suffering and save money.
If you have diabetes, you should see your podiatrist a minimum of once every 6 months for a thorough examination.
1 http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/?loc=db-slabnav#sthash.k3SPUfEL.dpuf
2 “Mortality Rates and Diabetic Foot Ulcers” in Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Vol 98, No 6, November/December 2008
3 National Diabetes Data Group: Diabetes in America, Vol. 2. Bethesda, MD, National Institutes of Health 1995 (NIH publ. no. 95-1468)
4 Pecoraro RE, Reiber GE, Burgess EM. Pathways to diabetic limb amputation: basis for prevention. Diabetes Care 1990;13:513–21.
For more information, contact Family Foot & Leg Center to schedule your semi-annual exam. Family Foot & Leg Center has 8 locations throughout Collier, Lee, Sarasota, & Charlotte Counties.
FAMILY FOOT & LEG CENTER, P.A.
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
(239) 430-3668 (FOOT)
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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
