A chronic disease affecting millions of lives, diabetes has its firmest grip on our country, making it the world capital. As more and more individuals come into its spectrum, awareness of it has seen tremendous growth, and those already affected by it are adopting healthier lifestyles. While a disciplined life and medications are unavoidable crutches for those affected, diabetic shoes offer a helping hand or better legs to adjust and fight the inevitable better. While diabetes itself leaves its patient in a crippling stage, the high glycemic index is not the only issue. Diabetes increases the risk of other conditions, including serious foot issues that impede walking and running. To set one free from the embarrassment of walking anomalies, diabetic shoes have been helping those inflicted individuals. The shoes are not luxury anymore and past the stigma of the signature unruffled lavish persona. They are now something that is next in line after insulin. The following blog will delve into how this footwear is instrumental in leading what some might label as close to a normal lifestyle.
Repercussion of diabetes on foot
Diabetes affects the foot in two prominent ways:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy:
The chances of the nerves of your feet getting damaged due to high blood sugar are fairly high and are often associated with diabetes. Nerve damage leads to many fatalities such as loss of sensation in the feet which directly hints that people with this condition will not feel any minor cuts or blisters or any other injuries, and due to lack of any pain, they often go overlooked and rapidly progress into infections or ulcers.
2. Poor Circulation:
Not only nerves but the blood vessels are also not spared due to sugar anomaly. Blood vessels get clogged and narrowed due to which the flow of blood to the extremities of the body is also reduced. This compromised blood supply means lack of oxygen and nutrients to the feet, ultimately even slowing down healing any further.
Common foot problems with diabetes
People with diabetes are prone to several foot-related complications, some of which can become quite serious if left untreated. Some of the most common foot problems in people with diabetes include:
Foot Ulcers:
Diabetic foot ulcers are usually open sores that develop on the bottom of the feet. These ulcers may be a result of unnoticed injuries or pressure points, which often occur in individuals with neuropathy. Skin can break down and lead to infection and potential tissue damage. If left untreated, foot ulcers can become serious and may lead to amputation.
Infections:
As diabetes weakens the body's immune response and slows healing, infections are very common and often harder to treat. Infected wounds on the feet may not heal properly and lead to complications such as abscesses or cellulitis that can spread to deeper tissues or bones.
Charcot Foot:
This is a severe condition where the bones of the foot degenerate and collapse because of nerve damage. The foot can become distorted, and walking may be impossible for the individual. Fractures, dislocations, and joint deformities usually accompany this condition and can be excruciatingly painful and incapacitating.
Calluses and Corns:
The loss of sensation to the extremities and inadequate circulation also cause poorly fitting shoes to irritate certain areas of the foot, leading to excessive pressure in specific areas that can create thickened skin referred to as calluses or corns. If not managed correctly, these areas can break down and form ulcers.
Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails often plague diabetics because diabetics lack proper circulation, and nerve damage can make one unable to treat the feet effectively. An ingrown toenail is when a toenail encroaches onto the surrounding flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and eventual infection.
Best practices to adopt
Maintaining good foot health is an integral part of managing diabetes. By adopting proper care techniques and taking preventative steps, people with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of serious foot complications. Here are some key strategies for ensuring optimal foot health:
Daily Foot Inspections
People with diabetes should check their feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in skin color. This should be done carefully, using a mirror if necessary to inspect the bottoms of the feet. If any problems are detected, it’s important to address them promptly before they worsen. If a person cannot check their own feet due to mobility issues or poor vision, a caregiver should assist them.
- Foot Care Hygiene
Hygiene of feet needs to be properly maintained to prevent infections. Clean the feet by washing them twice a day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid soaking. Water immersion will dry up the skin as long periods can cause dryness. Dry the skin completely, especially between the toes, to ward off fungal infections. - Moisturize Feet
Diabetes causes dry skin, leading to cracks and fissures prone to infection. A thick, fragrance-free moisturizer helps keep the skin soft and moist. Never apply lotion between the toes as the extra moisture is likely to promote fungal infections. - Appropriate Footwear
Proper footwear is important for diabetic patients. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and ulcers. One should select shoes that will provide enough support, cushioning, and a comfortable fit. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, high heels, or seams that can rub against the skin. Orthopedic shoes or inserts may be prescribed for extra comfort and protection. - Trim Toenails Correctly
Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Take care not to cut too short or leave sharp edges that could cause injury. If toenail care is hard because of poor vision or circulatory problems, consult a podiatrist for help. - Maintain Blood Sugar Control
The most common way to avoid or slow nerve and blood vessel damage is to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This can cause poor neuropathy and circulation, increasing the risk for more severe complications in the feet. To have good control over blood sugar, work with a healthcare team, including medication, diet, and exercise. - Regular Foot Check-ups
People with diabetes should be evaluated for their feet regularly by a medical professional. A podiatrist can examine the feet to see if there is any indication of neuropathy, poor circulation, or other abnormalities that are not noticed by the patient. Detection of these issues early will improve the chances of effective treatment and prevent complications.
Foot health is an important, yet often neglected, aspect of diabetes management. The complications arising from diabetes-related foot problems are serious, but most of them can be avoided or well-controlled with proper care and vigilance. Regular inspection of the feet, good hygiene practices, appropriate footwear, and control of blood sugar are integral components of keeping healthy feet in people with diabetes. Proper foot care can help people live healthier lives and also save them from significant complications that can lead to serious loss of mobility and independence.
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