Diabetics Must Take Good Care of Their Feet to Avoid Serious Problems

I have diabetes. I've had it for some time now. I try to take extra good care of my feet because diabetics are prone to a whole host of foot problems, the most serious being infections that can lead to amputation. The reason for this is that a lot of diabetics have lost most of the sensation in their feet because of nerve damage from the disease.

So if they damage their foot they don't feel it and treat it and an infection can develop. Add to this the fact that diabetics are more prone to infections anyway and may have circulation problems as well. This means that it is good idea for a diabetic to examine their feet for any signs of redness or other signs that may indicate an infection and get it treated immediately. This usually means a round of antibiotics.

One important thing that diabetics can do to prevent foot problems is to wear orthopedic shoe's with specially fitted inserts. These are expensive, but most insurance companies and Medicare will cover the cost of them with a note from your diabetes specialist.

I used to think that the orthopedic shoes were sort of boxy and clunky looking, especially the athletic shoes. So I ignored the recommendations and wore more fashionable shoes. I remember one time I bought an expensive pair of Doc Martens. I liked the way that they looked and they felt comfortable.

They were fine until I went to an event in the park and walked around quite a bit. When I got home I had a big blood blister on my right foot. I treated it with antibiotic ointment and bandages for a couple of weeks. Thankfully, it didn't get infected, but it wasn't healing either.

I went to the foot doctor and after examining my foot he left the office and returned with a big, ugly boot, the kind that they give you when you break something. "You'll have to wear this for about 6-8 weeks." He said. "If you don't wear it, it will never heal and you may lose the foot."

I dreaded the thought of wearing that thing, but I had no choice. After about 5 weeks, it had completely healed. I was amazed. Now I get a new pair of orthopedic shoes and inserts every year and I haven't had a problem since.

It seems to be a problem getting diabetics to wear the special shoes. According to WebMD:

"Many patients with diabetes fall short on foot care and footwear, according to a new study. Failure to perform recommended foot care and wearing inappropriate footwear can set diabetes patients up for foot ulcers."

Ulcers can also lead to infection and that can be a serious problem. Here are some tips to help you take good care of your feet if you have diabetes: Wash and dry your feet daily, take a look at them to make sure they look normal every day, avoid certain types of shoes like high heels, shoes with flat soles, and shoes with straps and thongs as these can cause pressure points and blisters. Don't walk barefoot, even in the house. And finally, buy shoes that are made of leather so air can circulate and your feet can breathe. Or, better yet, get the orthopedic ones

Source: http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20110422/many-diabetes-patients-wear-the-wrong-shoes