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Reduce the Risk of Serious Foot Injury from Diabetic Infections

Copyright © 2004, Wendy Springer
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Even when diabetes is under control, variations in blood sugar can provide diabetic foot pain and affect the feet in several other ways. Diabetes creates a condition known as "peripheral neuropathy" (PN). PN produces symptoms ranging from a burning, tingling, or numb feeling, mild or severe diabetic foot pain, or even a complete loss of feeling in the feet.

Because of the diminished tactile senses in the feet, a diabetic is more susceptible to infections, fractures which do not heal properly, diabetic foot pain, and severe bone and joint disease which changes the actual shape of the foot.

Sugar levels also cause a condition known as peripheral vascular disease (P.V.D.). This disease causes a decrease in blood, nutrients and oxygen that are usually carried to the skin, fat, muscles, joints, and bones of the feet. This deficiency results in the feet not being able to respond to injuries ranging from small abrasions, broken bones, and normal foot fatigue.

For a diabetic, any injury to the foot, no matter how slight, can cause diabetic foot pain and other severe repercussions. You can reduce the risk of serious foot injury by following these simple steps:

1. Thoroughly examine your feet every day including the tops, bottoms, and between your toes. Look for inflamed areas, cuts, peeling and breaks in the skin, rashes, and swelling.

2. Regularly examine and press upon your toe nails to check if there are any signs of diabetic foot pain, or if they are ingrown.

3. Check both feet to see if they feel like they are both the same temperature and that they are not significantly colder than the rest of the body.

4. Check to ensure that you have good feeling in both feet by moving your finger firmly down both the tops and bottom of your feet from toe to heal. Notify your Doctor at once if performing this test produces diabetic foot pain.

5. Always wear properly fitted shoes and only buy shoes made of a soft upper material. Make sure that the area where your toes go is deep and wide to reduce toe pressure. Wear low heals, no higher than 3/4 of an inch, whether you are male or female.

6. Wear seamless socks, made of a natural fiber that allows your feet to breathe, and never go barefoot.

7. Wash your feet daily, with soap and warm water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly especially between the toes.

8. Use a toenail clipper that is wide enough to cut your nails straight across. Do not dig into the corners of your toe nails and be very careful not to cut or puncture your skin.

9. Rub in a good quality moisturizing cream into your feet, before you go to bed, to prevent dry skin and cracks.

10.Do not use chemical corn and callus removers that contain acid. This can burn and damage your sensitive skin and lead to diabetic foot pain and other problems.

You can develop a healthy foot care habit with very little effort. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. Always consult your Doctor if you notice any of the symptoms that we discussed here or experience any degree of diabetic foot pain.