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Diabetic Foot Pain
Diabetes is a disease that affects every part of the body, even when the diabetes is under control. Diabetics, because of the nature of their disease, have fewer defenses against everyday wear and tear, especially where the feet are concerned. Increased blood sugar affects the feet in the following ways:The sugar affects the nerves of the feet, causing peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a disease which can produce anything from strange feelings in the feet (burning, tingling, numbness, etc.), to a complete loss of feeling in the feet. The lack of proper feeling makes the diabetic more likely to injure their feet without knowing it. This makes the diabetic more susceptible to infections; fractures which are not felt, and do not heal properly; and severe bone and joint disease which changes the contour of the foot.
Sugar also affects the smaller blood vessels in the feet causing peripheral vascular disease. P.V.D. decreases the amount of blood, nutrients, and oxygen that are brought to the skin, fat, muscles, joints, and bones of the feet. These causes: tissues to be absorbed, an inability to properly heal everything from small cuts to broken bones, and just plain fatigue and weakness of the feet.
Absorption of the natural protective fatty pad on the bottom of the feet. This is due to P.V.D. and/or the natural aging process. When the fat pad becomes thinned or completely absorbed, it cannot protect the skin properly from normal bone pressure. This puts tremendous stress on the skin which underlies these bones, and can cause inflammation, calluses, and eventually skin ulcers which may become infected. These problems may become worse without the diabetic knowing it, if peripheral neuropathy is present. |
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Take Good Care of Your Feet
Wash your feet everyday. Use warm (not hot) water, and mild soap. Do not put your feet in the water without testing it first with your hand, elbow, or a thermometer. Do not soak your feet unless instructed by your physician. Pat your feet dry with a soft towel, making sure to dry between the toes.Do not rub the skin too vigorously. If your skin is dry, or shows evidence of cracking, use a moisturizing cream as prescribed by your doctor. Never put the cream between your toes. Foot powder, used sparingly, can help if you have a problem with excessive perspiration. Change stockings daily. Do not wear stockings that have been mended or have seams because these can injure or irritate the skin. |
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Trim Your Toenails Carefully
Be very careful to avoid injury when you trim your toenails. Trim them frequently, straight across, being careful not to cut them too short. Do not dig into the corners of the nails. Use a nail clipper, emery board, or nail file. It may help if you soften your nails by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before cutting them. If nails are thickened and difficult to cut, see your physician.
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No Home Surgery
Do not try to remove ingrown toenails. Do not use razor blades, scissors, or knives to remove calluses or corns. A minor cut can rapidly develop into a serious infection. Removal of an ingrown toenail, or a callus should be done by your physician. Your physician can also give you instructions on the use of an emery board or pumice stone for removing calluses at home. |
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Watch Out For Burns
Diabetic patients may have a loss of feeling in their feet, and may suffer a burn without knowing it. It is important that you check the temperature of hot water before you put your feet in it. Bath water should be a lukewarm temperature, between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a bath thermometer, test the water with your elbow.Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad. Check with your physician before you use an electric blanket on your bed. Wear socks to keep your feet warm. Wear protective footwear at the beach or around swimming pools. Do not use chemical corn or callus removers, as they can cause chemical burns. Women should avoid tight pantyhose, panty girdles, elastic garters, and socks with elastic tops. If you see lines or indentations when you take off socks or undergarments, they are probably too tight, and may cause swelling of the feet. |
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Do Not Smoke
If you smoke, STOP!! Smoking narrows the blood vessels and decreases circulation to the feet. Smoking is not wise for anyone, and particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. |
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