Diabetes and How does it affect your feet?
Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes blood sugar or glucose. It can cause serious complications and damage to various parts of the body, including the feet.
Below, we will discuss the impact of diabetes on foot health and the importance of foot care for people with diabetes.
Diabetes and Foot Health
Diabetes can affect foot health in several ways.
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
This condition can cause tingling, burning, numbness, or loss of sensation in the feet. It can also affect the muscles, causing weakness and loss of balance.
Diabetes can also cause poor circulation, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the feet.
This can result in slow healing of wounds and increased risk of infections.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing foot ulcers, which can be difficult to heal and may require amputation in severe cases.
Foot Problems in People with Diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy
This condition affects the nerves in the feet, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation.
Peripheral arterial disease
This condition affects the blood vessels in the feet, leading to decreased blood flow and poor circulation
Foot ulcers
This is a condition where open wounds or sores on the feet that are difficult to heal, this can be due to injury (e.g. cuts), or areas of high pressure or friction, causing skin to break down into an ulcer
Charcot foot
This is a condition that affects the bones and joints in the feet, causing deformity and instability.
Prevention and Management
Regular foot examination by a podiatrist is essential for people with diabetes, in this appointment we look at:
Vascular assessment
Blood flow assessment of your feet: Palpable pedal pulses, doppler assessment and toe pressure studies may be warranted for clients with compromised blood flow (peripheral arterial disease)
Neurological assessment
Nerve sensation assessment of your feet: 10g monofilament assessment and vibration perception assessment.
Dermatological assessment
Skin and nail assessment of your feet: We will provide treatment and teach you easy ways to improve your skin and nail condition at home.
Muscle strength and regular physical activity
Regular physical activity has shown to help control blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduce stress - all of which leading to improved overall health and wellbeing.
Footwear assessment
Assessment of your current footwear: Advice will be given based on condition of your current footwear; we will give you examples of shoes that are socially acceptable for you inside and outside of work.
Foot care is crucial in people with diabetes to prevent foot problems and complications. Our podiatrist will advise you on how often you need to be seen based on your diabetes foot assessment results.
Book an appointment with Philip today for your diabetes foot care and assessment.
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