Diabetes foot pain can be excruciating at times
It needs to be remedied as soon as possible before any serious complications develop
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In diabetes one of the main causes of ulceration in the diabetic foot is poor tissue oxygenation, which is caused by blocking of the large or small vessels. This can lead to very slow wound healing and make infection more likely, which can in severe cases lead to gangrene in the foot. Obviously early intervention in these cases is a priority as loss of limb can be a main cause of early morbidity. Where the circulation is severely compromised it is very difficult for the infection to clear.
Foot ulcers affect 1 in 10 of Diabetes sufferers
Common Causes of Foot ulceration
- Extrinsic pressure from tight shoes.
- Prolonged heel pressure.
- Intrinsic pressures from chemical mediators of infection within the body.
- Walking in bear feet and treading on a pin or sharp object which may not be felt due to loss of sensation.
- Foot type- high arch or flat feet etc.
- Calluses, Blisters and athletes foot
Important steps to avoid foot ulcers
It is important that if you have poor circulation that your feet are checked on a regular basis by either a Podiatrist or other medically trained professional. The lower limb foot pulses will be checked, with the skin and nails for any signs of poor foot circulation.
Proper accommodative footwear must be worn to avoid any shearing forces, which causes blistering of the skin. Check your feet daily for any changes in skin colour, blisters and calluses etc. All these could lead to ulceration and possibly gangrene, with loss of limb.
- Use orthoses to correct any problems with your gait or excessive foot pressures.
- Paddings or strappings for excessive foot pressure and shearing forces which can lead to ulceration.
- Heel pads.
- Use Foot cream daily to avoid dry and cracked skin, which can be a common source of foot infection.
- Dry your feet thoroughly.
Control your Diabetes with regular exercise, healthy eating and an aggressive treatment regime to control the blood sugars. Avoid smoking. Check your shoes for any signs of wear and inside for foreign objects such as sharp edges.
Loss of sensation – Diabetic Neuropathy
Loss of sensation can develop in the feet over time. This condition is known as Diabetic neuropathy which manifests itself as peripheral neuropathy and usually affects the sensory nerves in the legs. Again it is important to have a regular test for this condition by a podiatrist or other medically trained professional.
Why it is vital to check for loss of sensation
If the nervous system becomes damaged it is possible for the feet to go numb. This can become painful in the early stages with a condition sometimes developing known as painful neuropathy. It is possible that your skin may be damaged through trauma or infection, even callus formation or standing on a pin and you could be totally unaware of the seriousness of the situation. As a foot ulcer could easily develop and you may be unaware due to the loss of sensation. Neuropathy can cause the heels to crack and the skin to dry out. Pressure from daily walking may go unnoticed. Your Podiatrist will grade your feet from low risk to high risk, if you are more at risk of ulceration.
To recap it is important that you have a regular foot health check 6 monthly to yearly and check your feet and inside your shoes daily to avoid any potential problems.
Author: Gary D Webb
Copyright Gary webb MChs 2009
Gary Webb MChS – Podiatrist and Chiropodist. How to have comfortable pain free feet.
http://www.webbspodiatry.co.uk http://www.garywebbpodiatrist.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_D_Webb
Here is a collection of useful sources of info on corns and callus remedies
Feet Corns: Foot Corns And Calluses
Foot Corns And Calluses – Calluses and corns develop when there is a frictional force that is exerted on a part of the foot. Feet Corns Treatment: Treating corns requires that you first get a new pair of shoes.
One of the most perfect examples of the effect of excessive stress on our feet is the occurrence of foot corns and calluses. Foot corns and foot calluses are rough and hardened portions of skin that are caused on our feet
Different area οf the fοot may be affected, from th toe tο the sol of the foot, οr the entire foot may have nerve damage. It’s impοrtant tο chec your feet vi ually fo blisters, calluses and other abnormaliti s
Natural home remedies: Calluses and corns
To help protect a callus or corn on your foot from pressure, custom-design a protective “doughnut” using a piece of adhesive moleskin. Cut a circle larger than your callus or corn, fold it in half, and cut a half-circle in the centre.
