Do you ever feel like your feet get the short end of the stick? We cram them into shoes all day, we expect them to carry us around tirelessly, and let's be honest, pedicures are pretty much the only pampering they get (and even those are occasional!). But for folks with diabetes, good foot care goes way beyond sandal season. That's where podiatrists come in, they help ensure the health of the overall foot, therefore leg and body. We encourage Diabetics to come at least once a year for a foot check, so a podiatrist is a must-have for anyone with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar. Normally, your body breaks down food into glucose (sugar) for energy, and insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, helps move this glucose into your cells. With diabetes, either your body doesn't make enough insulin or your cells resist insulin's effects. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which over time can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart. There are different types of diabetes, and while there's no cure, managing diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication can help you live a long and healthy life.
Diabetes can wreak havoc on your feet due to two main complications: nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or even burning pain. This can make it easy to miss injuries like cuts or blisters, which can then turn into serious ulcers. On top of that, diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, hindering healing and making it harder to fight off infections. This combination significantly increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even amputation, making proper foot care crucial for people with diabetes.
Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication that can arise from diabetes. These are open sores, typically on the feet, that develop due to nerve damage and poor circulation. High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves in the feet, causing numbness and reducing your ability to feel pain or injuries. This can lead to unnoticed cuts, blisters, or even calluses that worsen into ulcers. Furthermore, impaired blood flow due to diabetes hinders the delivery of oxygen and healing factors to the feet, making it difficult for ulcers to heal properly. Left untreated, diabetic ulcers can become infected and potentially lead to amputation. Fortunately, proper diabetic foot care, including daily inspections and maintaining good blood sugar control, can significantly reduce the risk of these ulcers.
Why a Podiatrist Matters:
A podiatrist is a foot doctor who can help you avoid serious complications. They can check for problems you might miss because of numbness, like ulcers or ingrown toenails. They'll also teach you how to care for your feet properly, including proper shoe selection and safe trimming techniques. With regular checkups and good foot care from a podiatrist, you can keep your feet healthy and avoid serious issues down the road.
Podiatrists are specially trained to address foot-related complications of diabetes. Here's what they can do for you:
Taking Control:
Don't wait for a problem to arise before seeing a podiatrist. Schedule regular appointments, typically once a year or more frequently depending on your individual needs. Remember, healthy feet are essential for an active and independent life with diabetes.
Bonus Tip: In between appointments, prioritize daily foot checks! Look for any changes in color, swelling, or breaks in the skin. If you notice anything concerning, contact Dr. Arya right away!
By making a podiatrist part of your healthcare team, you're taking a proactive step towards preventing complications and keeping your feet happy and healthy for years to come! For more information and to schedule, you may book online at Arya Foot & Ankle, call us at 602-309-8788 or visit our website at Arya Foot & Ankle.
