Today we will be speaking about diabetic foot care.  Diabetes is increasingly affecting our population and can lead to very serious complications affecting the entire body. It can lead to, among other things, kidney disease, blindness, and dysfunction of the immune system. What many don’t realize is that often the first complications related to diabetes arise in the feet.

It is recommended that all diabetics have at least once yearly checkups of their feet with a Podiatrist. During these checkups we assess circulation, we check for calluses which may lead to wound formation, we assess for foot deformities which may lead to other problems in the future, and we evaluate your nervous system. One of the problems that can be most dangerous for a diabetic patient is something called neuropathy. Patients who have neuropathy begin losing sensation in their feet.  As a result, things that would normally be uncomfortable or downright painful get missed because the patient cannot feel it. Neuropathy also affects the sympathetic nervous system which controls oil and sweat glands leading to thin dry skin.  This skin type is more susceptible to cracking and other forms of damage.

Diabetics tend to be more susceptible to infections and worse infections when they do occur. They may struggle more to heal an injury or a wound than a non-diabetic patient. As a result preventive care is exceedingly important. This includes proper fitting shoe gear, appropriate nail and callus care, and regular checkups with your Podiatrist.  If you are or know anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, we urge you to have your feet checked on a regular basis. Here at North Port Foot & Ankle we will be happy to help you with all of your diabetic foot care needs.