Podiatrists Can be Key To Diabetic Foot Care

Anyone living with diabetes there is a risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. It is our philosophy that if treated early and comprehensively, every diabetic foot ulcer should heal.

Of the numerous health risks associated with diabetes, diabetic feet complications are among the most prevalent. In the event that cuts, sores, or other wounds develop on the feet of a diabetic with neuropathy, a sufferer of diabetic feet complications may not immediately become aware of any such injury. It is crucial that those that suffer from diabetic feet complications regularly monitor the health of their feet and take important precautions to ensure that their feet remain free of injury or infection.

When there is a deficiency of feeling it is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy." If you do not feel a cut or sore on your foot because of neuropathy, the wound could get worse and become infected. Diabetic neuropathy is a deficiency of feeling accompanied by tingling, burning, soreness, or numbness in your legs and feet due to nerve damage. The two primary concerns are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a deprivation of ability to feel soreness, hotness, and cold. Diabetic neuropathy in the feet will cause a patient to be deprived of most sensations of pain.

Diabetic nerve problems or peripheral neuropathy is very likely responsible for more cases of ulcers, infections and amputations than vascular disease. Peripheral neuropathy affects sensory, motor, and autonomic pathways. There are some tests that can be utilized to determine the presence of peripheral neuropathy. When the ulcers occur it can result in acute osteomyelitis, or a bone infection, have your podiatrist test for further infection in the muscle or bone. Pain may or may not be existent, depending on the degree of peripheral neuropathy.

Once there is a wound or sore on the foot of a patient with diabetic neuropathy and it becomes infected, the patient is most likely going to be put on antibiotic to combat the infection. The problem here lies in the fact that patients with neuropathy suffer from poor circulation and consequently the antibiotics will not get to the sore and the infection would continue to get worse, potentially resulting in gangrene and ultimately amputation.

It is encouraged that diabetics inspect their feet every day, or have someone do it for them. Signs of redness, skin change, trauma, skin cracking should be seen by a podiatrist immediately before the sore can develop into more problems. Patients should keep their feet hydrated with a cream or petroleum jelly for diabetic foot care. Always wear shoes, slippers or socks to avoid even the smallest foot injuries. Diabetic neuropathy sufferers should regularly have a podiatrist examine their feet.

Studies have shown that diabetics who have regular care by a podiatrist have a significantly lower chance of amputation.

Advanced Foot & Ankle Center - www.afacutah.com