Foot complications secondary to diabetes are the most common cause of atraumatic lower extremity amputations and also the leading cause of diabetic hospitalized in the United States. The major cause of this is due to loss of sensation to the feet or neuropathy. The loss of feeling to the feet can result in minor sores or cuts being unnoticed leading to complicated infections which can require aggressive medical and surgical interventions.
To help avoid serious complications the patients should follow the recommended guidelines below
- Keep your blood sugars in control. The better control you have on your sugar levels the better your chances you will prevent a serious complication. Don’t Smoke as this will further complicate blood flow to your feet.
- Inspect your feet daily. Make sure you check both feet for any cuts, blisters, swelling or redness which may or not cause pain. Even if you have no pain, it’s important to report to your foot and ankle surgeon for future evaluation.
- Take care of your feet as if it were your face. Use warm but not hot water to wash your feet and make sure to keep them warm and dry after they have been washed. Wear new socks daily. Never walk barefoot.
- Never try trimming your own corns or calluses, and or nails.
- Wear appropriate shoes , check your shoes for foreign objects that may be inside every time you wear them. You may not feel and object that may lead to a wound if left inside the shoe.
- Make sure you are scheduled to get recommended foot exams throughout the year. Your foot and ankle surgeon will establish a recommended schedule to help prevent future foot complications.