Diabetic Feet (Type 1 & 2)
People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications.
Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, so you can injure it and not know it. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems.
Prevention is the best medicine. Being able to identify signs of foot problems can go a long way in preventing complications.
Have your health care professional check your feet AT LEAST one to two times per year or more if required.
When to see your Chiropodist:
- If you have any corns (thick or hard skin on toes), calluses (thick skin on bottom of feet), in-grown toenails, warts or slivers, have them treated by your doctor or a foot care specialist (chiropodist). Do not try to treat them yourself.
If you have any swelling, warmth, redness or pain in your legs or feet, see your doctor or foot specialist right away.
Have your bare feet checked by your doctor at least once a year. In addition, ask your doctor to screen you for neuropathy and loss of circulation at least once a year.
Take your socks off at every diabetes-related visit to your doctor and ask him or her to inspect your feet.
Most family doctors refer their patient to a Chiropodist for foot exams. Much like referring patients to an Optometrist for their eye exam.
Please continue to check your feet every day for any changes or signs of injury.
-See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/#sthash.Gsap7c57.dpuf
Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, so you can injure it and not know it. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems.
Prevention is the best medicine. Being able to identify signs of foot problems can go a long way in preventing complications.
Have your health care professional check your feet AT LEAST one to two times per year or more if required.
When to see your Chiropodist:
- If you have any corns (thick or hard skin on toes), calluses (thick skin on bottom of feet), in-grown toenails, warts or slivers, have them treated by your doctor or a foot care specialist (chiropodist). Do not try to treat them yourself.
If you have any swelling, warmth, redness or pain in your legs or feet, see your doctor or foot specialist right away.
Have your bare feet checked by your doctor at least once a year. In addition, ask your doctor to screen you for neuropathy and loss of circulation at least once a year.
Take your socks off at every diabetes-related visit to your doctor and ask him or her to inspect your feet.
Most family doctors refer their patient to a Chiropodist for foot exams. Much like referring patients to an Optometrist for their eye exam.
Please continue to check your feet every day for any changes or signs of injury.
-See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/#sthash.Gsap7c57.dpuf