DIABETIC FOOT

Diabetes affects 23 million people within the United States.  Diabetes can cause many problems in the foot.

Diabetes can decrease blood flow to the foot.  This can cause wounds and injuries not to heal.  Minor problems in diabetics can quickly become major problems.  Smoking also leads to decreased blood flow in the foot. 

Diabetes affects the nerves in the feet and hands and can cause numbness. When your feet lose their feeling, they are at risk for becoming deformed. Also the feet can be injured without one even feeling it. Open sores may become infected. A bone condition, Charcot foot, can also occur. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it does not hurt.

If you have diabetes, you should wash your feet and between your toes with mild soap and water every day.  You should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror to look at the bottom of your foot.

To find out more information on a Diabetic Foot, please visit the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.