Diabetes and Your Feet

When you have diabetes, daily wear and tear can take it's toll on your feet, especially in areas that absorb the most pressure. Because of poor blood circulation of loss of feeling in your feet, even a minor problem, such as a tiny break in your skin, may develop into a serious infection.

Damaged nerves may make it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat, and cold. You may not notice irritated skin, pain, or pressure caused by colapsing joints.

Blocked blood vessels bring fewer nutrients to your feet. Without nourishment, sores may not be able to heal.

Weakened bones may slowly shift, causing your foot to become deformed and changing the way your foot distributes pressure.

Collapsed joints, especially a collapsed arch, can no longer absorb pressure. The surrounding skin may begin to break down.

Broken-down skin, caused by too much pressure coming from either the outside or inside of your foot, can lead to sores or, if bacteria is present, infections.

Blisters and calluses start as red or warm spots. They are often caused by unrelieved skin pressure.

Ulcers (sores) may result if blisters or calluses reach the skin's inner layers. Ulcers may become infected.

Bone infection may occur if infected ulcers spread. Untreated bone infections may lead to loss of the foot.

Your Podiatrist's Role: Evaluating Your Feet

A thorough podiatric evaluation is the first step in your foot health program. Your podiatrist reviews the history of your diabetes, and evaluates your overall health and the condition of your feet. He or she also checks your medical history, examines your feet, and in some cases, takes x-rays and other tests.

Medical History

In addition to asking questions about your diabetes, your podiatrist wants to know about any foot problems you have now or had in the past. He or she may ask about medications your taking. Your answer's help the podiatrist begin to determine the level of care your feet need.

Foot Examination

A foot exam determines whether you have circulation, nerve, skin, bone or joint problems. Your podiatrist takes each foot's pulse to check how well blood circulates, and also checks for how sensitive your feet are. Your podiatrist examines the condition of your skin and looks for any weakness or collapse in your bones and joints.

Diagnostic Tests
Your doctor may request these or other tests to help pinpoint your specific foot problems.

The Doppler test measures blood flow.

A tuning fork and the Semmes-Weinstein test each check your level of feeling.

X-rays show bone or weakness or other bone abnormalities.

Scan, such as bone scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and CT (computed tomography), can point out bone and skin infections.

Your Treatment Plan

Your podiatrist uses the results of your evaluation to develop an individual foot care program for you. Your program may range from developing an effective self-care routine to treating minor foot problems to surgery.