Diabetic Foot Care
What is Diabetes? Symptoms How do you get Diabetes? The Role of your Podiatric Physician What to do if you already have Diabetes What is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the lives of nearly 24 million people in the United States, nearly 6 million of whom are unaware that they even have the disease. In 2007 alone, 1.6 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older. The disease is marked by the inability to manufacture or properly use insulin and impairs the body’s ability to convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy. The long-term effects of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are damage to the eyes, heart, feet, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-to-heal wounds and susceptibility to certain infections. People who have any of these symptoms and have not been tested for diabetes are putting themselves at considerable risk and should see a physician without delay. Part of keeping your diabetes in control is testing your blood sugar often. Ask your doctor how often you should test and what your blood sugar levels should be. Testing your blood and then treating high blood sugar early will help you to prevent complications. The socioeconomic costs of diabetes are enormous. In 2007, the total annual economic cost of diabetes was estimated at $174 billion — about $116 billion of which are direct costs from the disease with $58 billion indirectly related. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and individuals with diabetes are two to four times as likely to experience he Continue reading >>
Why Diabetics May Need To See A Podiatrist
Why Diabetics May Need to See a Podiatrist If an individual has been suffering from Type 1 Diabetes or was recently diagnosed with Type 2, he or she may typically be most concerned with diet and insulin. While this is very important, people with diabetes may also lose sensitivity in their feet due to nerve damage and poor circulation, and in the worst case scenarios, they may require amputation. It is recommended that individuals adhere to frequent checkups with a podiatrist to prevent such drastic treatments. When one suffers nerve damage, it can reduce the foot's ability to feel pain or secrete its natural oils to prevent dryness and cracking. The excessive levels of blood sugar in diabetes may cause this condition, which leads to a vicious cycle that can severely damage the feet. While one may experience pain even with neuropathy, he or she may not feel fluid buildups , or even a sharp object inside the shoe, which can cause consistent damage. If a patient leaves this untreated, the effects of low blood circulation and potential infections may leave patients with no choice but amputation. However, one may take many preventative measures to avoid such a dire outcome. Understanding the risk of diabetes and its effect on your feet is the first step to avoiding serious issues. Additionally, routine steps can help improve the health of feet. - Find the right podiatrist and follow their recommendations for individual care. - Wear quality compression socks or stockings to increase blood flow and reduce fluid buildup. - If skin starts drying out and peeling, the individual should use a thin layer of hand cream or petroleum jelly to keep in the moisture after a shower. However, patients should not soak feet for extended periods of time or apply the cream to the area between Continue reading >>
Importance Of Podiatry With Diabetes
by Telerad RxDx | Aug 9, 2017 | Blog , Did you know? , Educating the community , Patient Club , Pediatric Podiatry (foot care) for people with diabetes is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management. Many people with diabetes are entirely unaware that they need to take special care of their feet and visit a foot specialist at once if problems arise. Higher levels of blood glucose can damage the nerve endings in many areas of the body and organs, which is why tight blood glucose control is an essential aspect of diabetes care. Why podiatry is so essential to people with diabetes Diabetes causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy Diabetes affects the circulation, and poor circulation can affect how the body heals People with diabetes are more prone to infection Diabetes complications can also affect the feet Diabetes can affect the joints and make them stiffer A variety of foot problems can arise when poor foot care fails to catch issues at an early stage. If you have diabetes, follow these foot care tips: Inspect feet daily. Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration. Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries. Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising. Have new shoes properly measured and fitted? Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes. Dont go barefoot. Dont go without shoes. The risk of cuts and infection is too great for those with diabetes. Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself. Do not ignore, in growing toenails, thorns pricked in the foot etc. Ove Continue reading >>
Why Is It Important To See A Podiatrist If You Are A Diabetic?
> Why is it important to see a podiatrist if you are a diabetic? Why is it important to see a podiatrist if you are a diabetic? Why is it important to see a podiatrist if you are a diabetic? Diabetic patients have a greater predisposition to foot problems, such as neuropathy and ulcers. This is because their vascular and neurological systems are often compromised. As part of a routine examination, a podiatrist will check the vascular and neurological status of a diabetic patients feet. Pulses are palpated (felt) to determine if viable circulation is present in the feet. Doppler and ABI tests use computers to quantify the circulation. CVI testing is used to discover the status of a diabetic patients veins. The results of these tests are shared with the diabetic patient and the endocrinologist, as caring for diabetic patients requires a team approach. A diabetic patients neurological status needs to be periodically evaluated. Diabetic neuropathy, or a loss of the ability to feel your feet, is a potentially dangerous side effect of diabetes. A patient with compromised nerves could step on a sharp object and not even realize it. Diabetics are, by their very nature, more brittle and more susceptible to infections, foot ulcers and amputations that could be life threatening if not treated in a timely manner. Every diabetic patient would be well served by having a skilled podiatrist periodically monitor their feet as part of their healthcare regimen. Continue reading >>
What Is The Role Of A Podiatrist In Diabetes Foot Care?
What is the role of a podiatrist in diabetes foot care? Grant L. Beck, DPM on behalf of Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center The role of a podiatrist in diabetic foot care is to be a patient's advocate and to monitor the health of their feet. Learn more from Grant Beck, DPM, from Sunrise Hospital in this video. The role of a podiatrist in diabetic foot care ranges from regular prevention and education to identifying and treating problems before they get out of hand. In the extreme cases, it can be abouthelping control an infection and attempting to save a limb. Podiatrists play a key role in providing appropriate foot care for people with diabetes. A person with diabetes should have a comprehensive diabetic foot examination by a podiatrist on a yearly basis. Depending on the findings on the comprehensive diabetic foot examination based on the risk status of the person, a regular schedule of foot care should be set up. For those persons with diabetes and no risk--yearly foot examinations are fine. For others, depending on their risk status they may need to be seen more frequently. This is the basis for regular scheduled examinations and foot care, but any acute problems should be evaluated immediately. The greatest danger is for those with diabetes that have lost the ability to sense pain in other words they have the loss of protective sensation (peripheral neuropathy). These persons need to be extremely careful and have their feet inspected daily by themselves or a family member to look for any areas of redness, irritation, cuts or sores. Podiatrists are an important member of the team of providers providing care for people with diabetes. Studies have established that including podiatrists in the care of people with diabetes leads to less lower extremity complications. Pr Continue reading >>
Why People With Diabetes Should Visit Podiatry Specialist?
Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form :( Why people with diabetes should visit podiatry specialist? Podiatry (foot care) for people with diabetes is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management. A recent study that was conducted by a credible source reveled that many people with diabetes are entirely unaware that they need to take special care of their feet by visiting a podiatrist for regular checkups. Diabetes is a systematic condition that affects many organs and systems in the body. One of the places where the effects of diabetes are seen is in the feet. This is due to the fact that the feet has the poorest blood circulation due to the effect of gravity that causes the blood to pool in the feet and also because the feet are far away from the heart. WHY PODIATRY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PEOPLE WITH DIABETES. Diabetes affects the circulatory system of the body and a poor circulation can affect how the body heals. Because the feet is far away from the heart, they are at great risk of getting an infection. Even a minor infection caused by a small cut can take long time to heal because diabetes weakens the immune system and also compromises blood circulation. 2. Diabetes can affect joints by making them stiffer. Many people with diabetes have reported to have joints problems. This is because this disease weakens both the immune and the circulatory system of the body thus lowering the bodys ability to heal. 3. People with diabetes are prone to infection. Because diabetes weakens the immune system, people with diabetes are prone to infection. A small cut on the feet can result to infection that can cause serious damage if not treated on time. WHAT HAPPENS TO PATIENTS WITH POOR PODIATRY? Variety of foot Continue reading >>
47 Podiatrists Share Tips On Good Foot Care For Those With Diabetes
Here is exactly what we asked our panel of experts: What tips would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed? Why do you think a lot of people ignore their foot care when it comes to diabetes? Featured Answer Dr. Ira H. Kraus, President, American Podiatric Medical Association A1: The most important tip I would give to anyone newly diagnosed with diabetes is to include a podiatrist in your care team. That may seem like a self-serving tip! But independent studies show that when a podiatrist is involved in caring for a person with diabetes, that person’s risk of hospitalization and diabetes-related amputations goes down dramatically. Seeing a podiatrist once a year can help you prevent diabetic ulcers, and if you do develop an ulcer, seeing a podiatrist can help reduce the risk of amputation by up to 80 percent. I would also suggest that people newly diagnosed with diabetes simply pay close attention to their feet. Prevention can be the key. Watch your feet daily for any changes, and if you see something that concerns you, get in to see your podiatrist as soon as possible! A2: A diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming. It comes with a lot of lifestyle changes and a lot of concerns. Our feet are literally the furthest things from our minds, so it’s not surprising that many people overlook them as they’re growing accustomed to living with diabetes. Also, many people don’t understand the serious complications diabetes can cause in the feet, and by the time they realize there’s a problem, it is a significant problem. People do not realize that simple things that they have been living with for years like: dry skin, athletes foot, skin fissures or calluses can lead to serious complications. The good news is that those small steps of examining your feet once a day and Continue reading >>
Diabetic Foot Care | Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important?
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Foot problems are a big risk in diabetic patients. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe thats too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, its at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. If necessary, get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Heres some basic advice for taking care of diabetic feet: Dont put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. Dont smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet. Dont use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office. Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but dont put any lotion between your toes. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes. Buy shoes that are comfortable without a breaking in period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, b Continue reading >>
Diabetes Podiatry - Foot Care For Diabetics
Podiatry (foot care) for people with diabetes is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management. Reviewing the community discussion regarding podiatry and particularly for visiting podiatrists reveals that many people with diabetes are entirely unaware that they need to take special care of their feet and visit a podiatrist at once if problems arise. Higher levels of blood glucose can damage the nerve endings in many areas of the body and organs, which is why tight blood glucose control is an essential aspect of diabetes care. Why podiatry is so essential to people with diabetes Diabetes causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy Diabetes affects the circulation, and poor circulation can affect how the body heals People with diabetes are more prone to infection Diabetes complications can also affect the feet Diabetes can affect the joints and make them stiffer A variety of foot problems can arise when poor foot care fails to catch issues at an early stage. These may include: Podiatrists are one of the essential professionals within diabetes care, and have a much underrated role to play in preventing and managing foot complications amongst people with diabetes. Podiatrists are on hand at every stage, be it prevention, concern about a foot problem, and dealing with genuine problems once they occur. Visit your podiatrist at least annually for a risk assessment. What the community is saying about podiatry Hanadr : Diabetics can self refer to a podiatry department. I would say NEVER ignore a foot injury, so SEE A PODIATRIST. Find their number from your district hospital website and phone them. They don't take foot injuries lightly. Samphire : I was limping for well over a week. When I finally tried cutting the toenail, I pulled a bit at the side and an in Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Startling Statistics
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the lives of about 16 million people in the United States, 5.4 million of whom are unaware that they even have the disease. Every day, 2,200 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed, and an estimated 780,000 new cases are identified each year. The disease is marked by the inability to manufacture or properly use insulin, and impairs the bodys ability to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy. The long-term effects of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are damage to the eyes, heart, feet, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-to-heal wounds and susceptibility to certain infections. People who have any of these symptoms and have not been tested for diabetes are putting themselves at considerable risk and should see a Doctor as soon as possible. Part of keeping your diabetes in control is testing your blood sugar frequently. Ask your doctor how often you should test, and what your blood sugar levels should be. Testing your blood and then treating high blood sugar early will help you to prevent complications. The socioeconomic costs of diabetes are enormous. The dollar costs have been estimated at $98 billion annually, about $44 billion of which are direct costs from the disease with $54 billion indirectly related. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and individuals with diabetes are two to four times as likely to experience heart disease and stroke. The growth of the disease worldwide is especially alarming. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the number of new diabetes cases Continue reading >>
The Role Of The Podiatrist-diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over six percent of the population. This number can be even higher in the elderly population. One of the most common complications of the disease is problems with the lower extremities and the feet. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a podiatrist can be a crucial member of your health care management team. Diabetes and Complications in the Lower Extremities The feet and lower extremities are at risk for diabetes complications due to damage to the nerves, poor circulation, infection, and other diabetes related issues such as kidney disease. As a diabetic, your pancreas is not producing the insulin necessary to keep your blood sugar levels in balance. Your pancreas may be secreting too little insulin or no insulin at all. When this occurs, your blood sugar levels can become elevated. Over time, this decrease in insulin production, and the resulting fluctuation in blood sugar levels, may lead to damage in the nerves. Doctors call this condition peripheral neuropathy. A person who has peripheral neuropathy loses sensation in lower extremities and the feet.[1] The decrease in insulin production can also lead to poor circulation. Poor circulation does not allow wounds to heal quickly or properly and can lead to ongoing problems for diabetics. In addition, poor circulation can leave diabetics at a higher risk to infection in the feet and lower extremities, especially if they have an open wound or sore. Kidney disease is another complication associated with diabetes. It can interfere with the feet. The proteins produced by the kidneys are involved in healing wounds and sores. When kidney disease is present, these proteins are not available to help heal any problems in the lower extremities and feet. Due to this diabetes related Continue reading >>
Foot Care
When you have diabetes you need to take care of your feet every day Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations Daily care can prevent serious complications Check your feet daily for changes or problems Visit a podiatrist annually for a check up or more frequently if your feet are at high risk Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more likely if: You have had diabetes for a long time Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period You smoke – smoking causes a reduced blood flow to your feet, wounds heal slowly You are inactive. It's important to check your feet every day. If you see any of the following- get medical treatment that *day * Ulcer Unusual swelling Redness Blisters Ingrown nail Bruising or cuts If you see any of the following- get medical treatment within 7 days Broken skin between toes Callus Corn Foot shape changes Cracked skin Nail colour changes Poor blood glucose control can cause nerve damage to feet. Symptoms include: Numbness Coldness of the legs A tingling, pins and needles sensation in the feet Burning pains in the legs and feet, usually more noticeable in bed at night. These symptoms can result in a loss of sensation in the feet which increases the risk of accidental damage because you can’t feel any pain. An injury to the feet can develop into an ulcer on the bottom of a foot which can penetrate to the bone. This could lead to infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) and a chronic infection in the bones and joints. If an infection isn’t treated at the earliest signs, this could result in ulceration (an infected open sore) and eventually Continue reading >>
How Does A Podiatrist Or Foot Doctor Help People With Diabetes?
A podiatrist is an important part of a team of physicians who manage complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes can affect circulation, nerve sensation (feet go numb or tingly), skin health, and healing wounds and fighting infections. If you have no other complications with your diabetes, an annual foot exam can help detect problems early. Pressure points that turn into calluses can result in foot ulcerations and infections. In growing or fungal toenails can lead to infections as well. Some patients require foot care every 2-3 months to avoid problems with their feet and closely monitor for problems. A podiatrist can assess shoes and even prescribe shoes and orthoses for your feet that will help prevent these complications and accommodate a deformity like hammertoes and bunions. If you have had a wound on your foot of some kind, this can help keep it from recurring. Podiatrists are also trained in surgical correction of many deformities and acquired foot problems. A podiatrist or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) is a physician and surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care, including the treatment of diabetes-related conditions. People with peripheral neuropathy and sensory loss may get foot ulcers, or calluses that can become ulcerated if they are not treated. Surgery is sometimes necessary to correct a bad bunion or hammertoe to prevent ulcer formation. A podiatrist may trim the toenails of someone who has neuropathy and is at risk of injuring him- or herself. He may prescribe orthotics -- specialized shoe inserts -- or prescription shoes with increased depth in the toe cap to prevent irritation or skin breakdown. Continue reading >>
The Importance Of Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, good foot care matters. Diabetes makes people more prone to foot problems. These foot problems can range from dry skin to serious infections. Dr. Steventon Scott Wagner and Dr. Lynette Renae Mehl at University Foot Center in Columbus, OH, provide diabetic foot care to their patients. People with diabetes are at high risk for serious foot complications. Foot-related complications account for 20 to 25 percent of all diabetes-related hospital admissions. Those foot complications can start as small cuts or cracks that are easily overlooked until it is too late. When inspecting, look for cracks, cuts,splintersand blisters on your feet. Immediately report any sores or skin changes to your doctor. A foot ulcer is a wound or sore that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to reduce the risk of complications. When left untreated, foot ulcers can lead to an amputation. Diabetes affects the flow of blood. Without good blood flow, it takes longer for cuts or sores to heal. If you have an infection that won't heal because of poor circulation, you are at risk for developing gangrene. Podiatrists provide a wide range of medical care for problems of the lower leg,footand ankle. Podiatrists play an important role in helping diabetics manage their condition successfully and avoid foot-related complications. If you have diabetes, you should have a foot exam performed by a podiatrist at least once a year. A podiatrist can help you prevent most serious problems related to diabetes. Taking good care of your feet can prevent problems before they start. Call University Foot Center at 614-488-9478 right now to schedule an appointment in Columbus, OH. Our outstanding podiatrists are dedicated to providing Continue reading >>
Diabetes Foot Care
You're more likely to have foot problems with diabetes because it can damage your nerves and lessen blood flow to your feet. The American Diabetes Association estimates that it's the reason why 1 in 5 people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so. You have to take care of your feet when you have diabetes. Poor foot care may lead to amputation of a foot or leg. Your doctor will check yours each year for problems. If you take good care of your feet, you can prevent most serious problems related to diabetes. Use mild soaps and warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet. After washing, put lotion on them to prevent cracking. But not between your toes! Look carefully at the tops and bottoms of your feet. Have someone else do it if you can't see them. Check for dry, cracked skin. Look for blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores. Check for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness when you touch an area. Watch for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. If you get a blister or sore from your shoes, don't "pop" it. Put a bandage over it, and wear a different pair of shoes. Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. You may want a podiatrist (foot doctor) to do it for you. Don't cut cuticles. Walk and work out in comfortable shoes. Don't exercise when you have open sores on your feet. Continue reading >>
