Footnotes / Blog
What Is a Diabetic Foot?
A “diabetic foot” refers to a series of complications that can affect the feet of individuals with diabetes. It is a term used to describe the complete cycle of foot irritation, skin breakdown, ulceration, dead skin, and bone infections that can lead to serious consequences, such as limb loss or the spread of infection to other parts of the body. The good news is that with proper foot care, this cycle of events can be prevented or minimized, helping individuals with diabetes maintain healthy feet.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Problems?
Diabetic foot problems typically arise due to a combination of factors associated with diabetes, such as:
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes can lead to reduced blood flow to the feet, making it harder for the body to heal wounds and fight infections.
- Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to numbness. This can prevent individuals from noticing injuries or infections, which can worsen without treatment.
- Weakened Immune System: Diabetes can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections, making any cuts or sores more prone to becoming infected.
- Foot Deformities: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and calluses, which can cause pressure points and lead to skin breakdown.
The Cycle of Diabetic Foot Problems
The cycle of diabetic foot problems typically follows these stages:
- Foot Irritation and Skin Breakdown: Poor blood circulation, neuropathy, or ill-fitting shoes can cause irritation on the feet. This irritation may lead to blisters, calluses, or sores that break down the skin.
- Ulceration: If left untreated, small skin abrasions or irritations can develop into ulcers. These are open sores that can become infected.
- Infection: Once an ulcer forms, bacteria can enter, leading to infection. If not promptly treated, infection can spread to deeper tissues, bones, and even the bloodstream.
- Dead Skin and Bone Infection: Chronic infections can result in the death of tissue (necrosis) and may involve bone infections (osteomyelitis). In severe cases, the infection may require amputation to prevent it from spreading.
- Limb Loss: If the infection spreads significantly and cannot be controlled, it may lead to limb loss as a last resort to prevent further spread of the infection.
Preventing and Minimizing Diabetic Foot Problems
With proper care, the cycle of diabetic foot problems can be prevented or minimized. Here are some essential foot care tips for individuals with diabetes:
- Inspect Your Feet Daily: Check your feet for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror to inspect the bottoms of your feet, or ask someone to help.
- Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry: Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose well-fitting shoes that provide cushioning and support. Avoid tight shoes, which can cause blisters, and never go barefoot to prevent injury.
- Moisturize Your Feet: Apply a good moisturizer to your feet to keep the skin soft and prevent cracks. However, avoid applying moisturizer between the toes, as moisture in this area can lead to fungal infections.
- Trim Toenails Properly: Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails or cutting too close to the skin.
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels within the recommended range can help reduce the risk of nerve damage and improve circulation, which is crucial for foot health.
- Seek Professional Care: If you notice any signs of infection, irritation, or injury on your feet, consult a podiatrist promptly for treatment and advice.
Conclusion
A diabetic foot can lead to serious complications, but with proper care, it is possible to prevent or minimize these issues. Individuals with diabetes should pay close attention to their foot health by maintaining good hygiene, wearing proper footwear, controlling blood sugar levels, and seeking professional treatment when necessary. By doing so, they can avoid the painful and potentially dangerous cycle of foot problems associated with diabetes.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Innovative Foot & Ankle or contact us at one of our convenient New Jersey locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Cranford, and Little Ferry.