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April 2006
Put Your Best Foot Forward
It’s time to pay attention to one of your body’s most precious assets
Every day they bear your weight as you climb stairs, shop for groceries and take walks. We’re talking about your feet--perhaps the most under-appreciated part of your entire body. And, when you have diabetes, they’re also the most prone to complications.
“There are three major reasons diabetes can lead to foot complications,” says internist John Nuschke, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.
"First, diabetes can cause decreased nerve sensation (neuropathy), even if your blood sugar is under control. This decreased sensation means you’re less likely to feel pain, which is your body’s way of telling you that’s something’s wrong and needs your attention.”
If you lose that sensation of pain, you could form a blister or wound before you even know there’s a problem. “You can remove a pebble in your shoe if you feel it. But if you can’t feel it, you end up walking around on it. After a while, the pebble can cut your foot and lead to problems.”
Next, diabetes can also affect blood vessels throughout your body. “One of the major effects of diabetes is on your body’s blood vessels,” Nuschke says. “And what’s the end of the line for your blood vessels? It’s down at your feet – the farthest distance from your heart. That’s why feet are often the first place blood-vessel blockages occur.” Poor blood flow also makes it hard for sores and infections to heal.
Third, your body’s white cells don’t work as well to fight off infections when you have high blood sugar. “That means if you get a blister or fungal infection, it will be harder for your body to get rid of it,” Nuschke says.
“You can prevent these problems by checking your feet twice a day, once when you put your shoes on and again when you take them off,” Nuschke says. “That way, you can catch problems early if they do occur.”
Your Foot Care Checklist
- Wash your feet gently in warm—not hot—water. Don’t soak your feet; it can cause skin to dry and crack.
- Keep your feet warm and dry.
- Examine between your toes, and the tops, sides and bottoms of your feet for problems twice a day. Look for blisters, red spots, corns, calluses, sores or anything abnormal.
- Rub a non-perfumed lotion on your feet, except between your toes.
- Before you put on your shoes, check inside them for anything that could harm your foot.
- Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes.
- Don’t walk barefooted. Always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet – even at home.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. If needed, get professional help to fit shoes properly.
General tips:
- Handle toenails with care. Cut toenails straight across, file the edges, and don’t cut or file too close to the toe line. If you need help, your doctor can recommend a podiatrist (foot doctor).
- At every doctor’s visit: Take off your shoes and socks so your doctor can examine your feet.
- Don’t self-treat your feet. Let your doctor know if something is wrong.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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