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Of the sixteen million Americans with diabetes, 25% will develop foot problems related to the disease. Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative footcare measures, it greatly reduces the risks of serious foot conditions.
People with Diabetes should NOT do the following:
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not go barefoot.
- Do not soak feet.
- Do not use adhesive tape on feet.
- Do not wear shoes without socks or stockings.
- Do not wear sandals with thongs between the toes.
- Do not sit with legs crossed, or sleep with ankles crossed.
- Do not apply heat to feet. Avoid hot water bottles or heating pads.
- Do not cut corns or calluses. See a footcare specialist.
- Do not use chemical agents for the removal of corns or calluses.
- Do not use corn plasters.
- Do not walk barefoot on hot surfaces, like a hot sandy beach or on cement around swimming pools.
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