Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetics are more likely to have foot problems.
If these problems worsen they can lead to complications and even infections.

It is important to recognize and treat any foot problems so that complications do not occur.

Diabetic patients can have nerve damage in their feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
The patient may experience numbness and tingling in their feet.

The diabetic patient with neuropathy may have a lack of sensation in their feet.
This type of patient may not experience pain the way that someone without neuropathy would experience pain.

The diabetic patient may not feel a cut, or blister.

Numbness may change the normal balance of walking and standing.
Poor weight distribution can even lead to fractures.

Pressure points can lead to ulcerations and blisters.

The diabetic patient may also have a deficiency in their circulation. The diabetic with both a wound and poor circulation could develop an infection or even gangrene.

This type of event could possibly lead to a partial amputation of the foot.

When the diabetic has nerve damage and circulation problems it is important to notice changes in the feet to prevent any complications.



Prevention:
Control of glucose levels

Regular visits to the primary care doctor

Inspecting the feet regularly:

Look between toes

Check for any cracks, blisters, scrapes, or ulcers

Look at the bottom of the feet (use a mirror if needed)

Wear protective shoe gear

Preventing any injury to the feet

Wash your feet with mild soap and water (Do not use hot water)

Dry carefully between the toes

If you note any lesions or any signs of infection notify your podiatrist immediately

See the podiatrist regularly for foot care

Never try to trim calluses yourself

Wear good fitting shoes

Avoid tight shoes and high heels

Wear clean socks and change them daily

Do not walk barefoot

Make sure there is nothing in your shoes before putting them on

Apply proper sun screen



When foot problems are found early proper treatment can take place. Notify your podiatrist immediately. Early treatment and care of a minor problem may prevent a major problem such as a serious infection.



Foot problems can be prevented through good glucose control, daily foot care, and regular inspection.

Fish Pedicures - Could They Be Deadly?



Photo from Emirates 24/7

 If you've ever heard of fish pedicures - the ones where little fish eat the dead skin off of your feet as an alternative exfoliation method - you've likely thought it was weird and maybe a little gross. But now the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates has issued a warning that these fish pedicures may be hazardous to your health and even deadly. Check out this article about how diseases can be spread through open wounds on the feet and ankles if two clients use the same fish.

UGG boots could mean ugly things for your feet

UGG boots, thus named because even their designer thought they were ugly (but super warm and comfy!), can cause some hideous problems for your feet.

Despite the fact that these shoes are soft and cuddly in texture on the inside, there is little to no arch support inside of them. The lack of support throws off your gait, so long-term wear can result in not only terrible arch and heel pain but also problems with your knees, hips, and back.

Not to mention the fact that many UGG devotees tend to wear them without socks, due to the warm, plushy feel of the lining (okay, and maybe being a bit lazy too). Don't be fooled, though - that plushy lining is no replacement for socks! Due to the lack of moisture absorption, going sockless in your UGGs can create a perfect breeding ground for fungus.

One of the best things to do is to switch up your shoes occasionally - while these boots are comfortable and trendy, it's healthy (and fun!) to wear more than one pair of shoes throughout the week. This lets your shoes dry out and also keeps your $140 shoe investment from wearing out as quickly.

If you can't stand to take off your UGG boots, take a couple of precautions for your feet:

- Wear socks! It only takes a couple of extra seconds and it will keep you from yucky fungal infections (plus, it's winter - who doesn't want an extra layer?). Spraying an anti-fungal spray in the boots once a month can ward off fungi that could be developing.

- Use arch supports. Due to the boots being extra-roomy, there's plenty of space for you to put one under the liner (so it doesn't cover up any of that plushy softness) and it'll keep your gait from being thrown out of whack.

Just follow these tips and your feet will look and feel great, even in those so-called "ugly" boots!

To read more about how UGG boots affect your feet, read this interesting article from msnbc.com:
http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/13/5644547-ugg-boots-shearling-agony-for-feet