Diabetes And Your Feet
Are Your Feet In Trouble?
Whether
rushing to a business meeting or standing in line at the post office, you
depend on your feet to keep you standing and moving throughout you day.
But because diabetes increases your chances of developing foot problems,
you can't afford to take your feet for granted. Keep you feet out of
trouble by giving them the special care they deserve and need.
Foot Problems Won't Just Go Away
Becuase
you have diabetes, your feet have fewer defences against everyday wear
and tear. Reduced sensation may mean that you can't feel injuries.
Reduced blood flow may prevent injuries from healing. In fact, even
minor injuries may quickly progress to serious infections. So, take a look
at your feet. What kind of shape are they in ? A "yes" answer to any
of these questions means that your feet may be heading for trouble and you
could benefit from podiatric care.
Do
you see red spots ?
Do
you have blisters, corns, or calluses ?
Do
you feeling tingling ?
Are
your feet cold ?
Are
your toenails thick or ingrown ?
Pressure
problems, such as calluses or blisters, can develop without your being
aware of them.
Take Lifelong
Care of Your Feet
Whether you
have injuries that need special attention or you just need routine
foot exams, your podiatrist (a foot doctor) who is specially trained
to treat diabetic foot problems, can start you out on a foot health
program. Begin by learning about your feet and how diabetes
can damage them. Understand your podiatrist's role in preventing
and treating foot problems through regular podiatric exams and treatment.
And practice foot self-care to monitor your foot health and
guard your feet from harm.
A View of a Healthy Foot
Imagine:
With each step, a healthy foot withstands the pressure of three to four
times your body weight. A healthy foot can take all this pressure because
it is strong and flexible, and can bounce "bounce back" quickly from daily
wear and tear.
Nerves let you feel sensations such as
pain, vibration, pressure, heat, and cold.
Blood vessels
carry nutrients and oxygen to your feet to nourish
them
and help them heal injuries.
Bones
give your foot shape and help distribute the
pressure from your weight.
Joints
are the connection between your bones. They help
absorb pressure and enable the parts of your foot to move. Your
arch is a group of joints that provides stability for your entire
foot.
Skin and fat
from a protective "cushion" that absorbs pressure
and protects your foot from infection.
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