November is American Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, promoting prevention, and educating individuals about the importance of managing this chronic condition. Diabetes affects millions of Americans and can have serious consequences for overall health, particularly when it comes to foot and ankle health.
For individuals living with diabetes, taking care of their feet is more than just a matter of comfort. It is an essential part of preventing serious complications, maintaining mobility, and protecting long-term health.
At Hollowbrook Foot Specialist, P.C., we encourage everyone with diabetes to make routine foot care and regular podiatric examinations an important part of their healthcare routine.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?
Diabetes can affect the feet in several ways, primarily through two complications: diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
1. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, particularly those in the feet and lower extremities. This condition, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, can cause:
- Numbness or decreased sensation.
- Burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
- Loss of protective sensation.
- Difficulty recognizing injuries, blisters, or wounds.
- Changes in balance and walking ability.
One of the biggest dangers of neuropathy is that patients may develop a blister, cut, or ulcer without realizing it. What begins as a minor injury can quickly become a serious infection if left untreated.
2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Diabetes increases the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease, a condition in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet.
Poor circulation can make it difficult for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. As a result, even small wounds may take significantly longer to heal and can progress into chronic ulcers or infections.
In severe cases, untreated PAD can lead to tissue death (gangrene) and potentially require amputation.
Common Foot Complications Associated With Diabetes
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing several foot-related conditions, including:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Open sores that commonly develop on the bottom of the feet, toes, or pressure points. These wounds can become infected and threaten the affected limb.
- Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A serious condition in which weakened bones and joints in the foot fracture or dislocate, potentially resulting in significant deformity.
- Fungal and Bacterial Infections: Diabetes can increase susceptibility to infections, including athlete’s foot, fungal toenails, and bacterial skin infections.
- Ingrown Toenails: These can become infected, particularly in individuals with poor circulation or decreased sensation.
- Gangrene: Severe tissue damage caused by inadequate blood supply or infection that can result in tissue death.
- Amputation: In advanced cases, severe infection, nonhealing wounds, or irreversible tissue damage may make amputation necessary.
The good news is that many diabetic foot complications can be prevented or treated successfully when identified early.
How Can a Podiatrist Help Patients With Diabetes?
Podiatrists play an essential role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic foot complications.
At Hollowbrook Foot Specialist, P.C., diabetic foot care focuses on identifying potential problems early and developing individualized treatment plans to protect the health of your feet.
Some of the services a podiatrist may provide include:
1. Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Examinations
Routine examinations allow your podiatrist to evaluate circulation, nerve function, skin integrity, and foot structure. These assessments help identify patients at increased risk for developing ulcers or other complications.
2. Circulation Assessments
Your podiatrist can evaluate blood flow using clinical examinations and appropriate vascular testing. Early identification of PAD allows for timely referral and treatment to improve circulation and reduce the risk of limb-threatening complications.
3. Neurological Testing
Testing with a monofilament and other neurological instruments helps determine whether protective sensation has been lost. Identifying neuropathy allows patients and providers to take additional precautions to prevent injuries.
4. Diabetic Wound Care
If a diabetic foot ulcer develops, early professional treatment is critical. Treatment may include wound debridement, specialized dressings, offloading, infection management, advanced wound care therapies, and vascular evaluation when indicated.
5. Preventative Foot Care
Routine nail care, callus management, and treatment of skin abnormalities can help prevent minor problems from developing into serious wounds. Patients with diabetes should avoid attempting to remove corns or calluses themselves.
6. Custom Orthotics and Diabetic Footwear
Properly fitted diabetic shoes and custom inserts can redistribute pressure, reduce friction, and protect vulnerable areas of the foot. This is particularly important for patients with neuropathy, previous ulcers, or structural foot deformities.
7 Tips for Protecting Your Feet When You Have Diabetes
In addition to routine podiatric visits, there are several important steps patients can take at home to protect their feet:
- Inspect your feet daily. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, drainage, discoloration, or other changes. Use a mirror to examine the bottoms of your feet if necessary.
- Never walk barefoot. Always wear properly fitting shoes, even indoors, to protect your feet from injuries.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and dry carefully, especially between your toes.
- Moisturize dry skin. Apply moisturizer to prevent cracking, but avoid applying it between your toes.
- Wear properly fitting footwear. Avoid shoes that rub, pinch, or create pressure points. Check the inside of your shoes for foreign objects before putting them on.
- Maintain good blood sugar control. Work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Schedule regular podiatric examinations. Even if your feet feel completely normal, neuropathy can prevent you from recognizing an injury or developing complication.
If you notice a new wound, redness, swelling, drainage, discoloration, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider promptly. A rapidly worsening wound, spreading redness, fever, or blackened tissue requires immediate medical attention.
Make Foot Health a Priority This American Diabetes Month
American Diabetes Month is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your health and take proactive steps toward preventing complications. Diabetes does not have to mean losing your mobility or experiencing serious foot problems. With proper blood sugar management, daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, and routine podiatric care, many complications can be prevented or identified before they become severe.
Don’t wait until you have a foot problem to see a podiatrist! Preventative care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your feet and maintain your quality of life.
At Hollowbrook Foot Specialist, P.C., we are committed to helping patients with diabetes maintain healthy feet, prevent complications, and stay active.
This November, make a commitment to your health. Take care of your diabetes, take care of your feet, and schedule your diabetic foot examination!
By: Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM, DABFAS, DABPM
