Diabetic Foot Care

 

 June 4, 2018 | A. Teav

 

Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways. Individuals with diabetes are prone to developing foot ulceration, infection, and in the most severe cases, even amputation. A Chiropodist performs a comprehensive assessment of the feet, including vascular (blood circulation), neurological (nerve sensation and motor function), dermatological (skin), and biomechanical (muscle, ligament, and bone structures) to determine the risk level of foot ulceration.

 

Vascular

The assessment is based on the presence of palpable pulses in the feet. Increased blood sugar levels impair blood circulation and, thus, healing is slower and the infection more prevalent.

 

Neurological

Diabetes can cause one to develop neuropathy, which causes impaired sensation in the feet. A person with diabetes may not sense or feel small cuts on their feet, or may step on sharp objects without noticing it due to the lack of sensation in the feet. This can cause one to be at a higher risk of developing foot ulceration and infection.

 

Dermatological

It is absolutely necessary to assess the health of the skin in the feet for the prevention of foot ulceration and other stemming infections. Diabetes can cause dry feet and skin to crack, increasing the chances of infection. Calluses may also form at the bottom of the feet due to improper gait and mechanics of the feet. Too much calluses can increase plantar pressure in the feet and may also increase risks of foot ulcerations.

 

Biomechanical

Individuals who have contracted toe deformities such as hammer or claw toes are prone to developing plantar pressure in the feet, which may lead to skin deterioration and ulcerations.

 

***To prevent any foot complications or problems visit your local Chiropodists to have your feet assessed***

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Here are some tips and advice to maintaining a healthy diabetic feet