Foot care is very important to people with diabetes. Some of the effects of the disease increase the risk of foot problems and also increase the likelihood of complications.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage that reduces sensation in your feet. If this nerve damage exists you can have an injury or condition on your foot that requires medical care without you even knowing it. Small injuries may even become infected.

Diabetes may also affect the blood flow in your legs and feet making it harder for cuts or sores to heal. Then a small infection can become a very serious problem. Foot infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of people with diabetes.

Foot ulcers and non-healing wounds are the primary causes of amputation in people with diabetes. Although not all diabetic foot disorders can be prevented, with proper foot care it is estimated that as many as half of these amputations could be prevented.

Individuals with diabetes can develop the following foot problems:

• Corns and calluses
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Bunions
• Plantar warts
• Hammertoes
• Dry skin
• Athlete's foot

FACTS

• More than 14 million diabetics in the U.S. have peripheral neuropathy and are at risk for development of diabetic foot ulcers.
• 2.1 million diabetics will develop diabetic foot ulcers.
• 525,000 of these patients will eventually undergo amputation of one or both lower extremities.
• Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations of the lower extremities throughout the entire world.
• An equal number of people suffer today from symptoms associated with calluses, corns and build-up areas of painful, dry and cracked skin.

WHO SHOULD SEE A PODIATRIST FOR DIABETIC FOOT CARE?

• Diabetics with foot ulcers or non-healing wounds
• People with peripheral circulatory problems
• People who are on their feet all day
• All diabetics with peripheral neuropathy

PREVENTING FOOT INFECTIONS

As a diabetic you should have your podiatrist examine your feet on a regular basis. Not only will this allow a thorough examination for any problems or potential problems, but you will learn about home care and preventative maintenance. Special shoe gear may be recommended to assist with relieving pressure in problem areas.

In order for Dr. Schnall to provide the most appropriate diabetic foot care, he would need to know your medical history, including any foot problems you may have had in the past. Then a thorough examination of your feet would be done to determine if there are any circulation, nerve, skin, bone or joint problems. By taking a pulse, he can check how well your blood circulates. He will examine the condition of your skin and look for any weakness or collapse in your bones and joints. Based on his evaluation, he will create a foot care program for you.

Routine foot care can help keep thick and ingrown nails, blisters, corns and calluses, and other skin irritations from developing into ulcers or infections. Dr. Schnall may:

• Trim or thin nails
• Treat blisters
• Trim corns and calluses

The more you know about diabetes and your feet, the better you can monitor and maintain your foot health. Dr. Schnall can be very instrumental in helping you to prevent potential problems.

SELF EVALUATION OF YOUR FEET

Inspecting your feet on a regular basis may help you to prevent small irritations from becoming serious problems. You should check your feet daily for any warning signs that could mean your feet are in trouble. Here is a list to assist you in a daily check:

• Color changes
• Swelling
• Temperature changes
• Sensation changes
• Hot spots
• Cracks, sores and/or ulcers
• Ingrown toenails
• Drainage, pus or odors

You should call your podiatrist immediately if you have any of these signs or symptoms.