Seven Tips for Diabetic Foot Care - The Texas Foot Specialists

Diabetes is a disease that have a lot of compilations. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the body including the feet. It can lead to neuropathy or nerve damage because of the decreased blood supply in the legs and feet.

Once neuropathy develops, foot injuries and infections become harder to detect. And it could lead to amputation if left untreated. Proper foot care is essential for diabetics. Consult a podiatrist about proper foot care techniques. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders.

Seven Tips For Diabetic Foot Health

1.       Washing and drying the feet thoroughly is essential for a diabetic person. Make sure that you take extra effort in drying the areas between the toes.

2.       Examine your feet and toes for sores and redness even if you are not experiencing any pain. Also examine your feet from the bottom to ensure that you do not leave any area unattended.

3.       Avoid wearing colored socks. This will prevent infections brought about by the dye. Also wear socks that are well-fitted to your feet.

4.       Let a podiatrist cut your nails so that it will be correctly trimmed. Also visit a podiatrist if you are having foot problems.

5.       Consult a diabetic physician and allow him to monitor your blood levels, particularly your blood sugar. A physician will also prescribe a medicine to help you with neuropathy.

6.       Be extra cautious when you remove calluses as severe diabetics can no longer feel pain sometimes.

7.       Apply cream to help heal dryness.

Diabetics must make it a habit to check their feet on a daily basis. If something out of the normal is observed, consult a podiatrist immediately. Do not wait for a blister or a wound to become severe as this can be an ideal entry point for infections. It could quickly turn gangrenous and lead to amputation.

Gangrene can lead to sepsis and it is considered a very serious infection too. Aside from wounds, it is important for people with diabetes to look for ulcers as these are sores that are brought about by tissue loss on the skin. This will require intensive treatment. Hence, everyday inspection and early treatment is essential to staying healthy. 

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with diabetes. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Diabetes and Charcot Foot - The Texas Foot Specialists

Charcot foot is a serious complication of peripheral neuropathy. This is a long term complication caused by the loss of sensation in the feet. People suffering from Charcot foot can experience a sudden bone softening in the foot. The bones gradually weakens and eventually fracture. Because peripheral neuropathy causes loss of sensation in the feet, fractures remain unnoticed until it causes deformity. 

Preventive Care
Prevention remains the best treatment. Because of its nature, signs and symptoms are difficult to detect until the condition has become severe. Proper foot care is essential especially for those with diabetes. Preventing the development of peripheral neuropathy is high on the list for stopping Charcot foot.

Maintenance of blood sugar levels is essential for diabetics. High blood sugar levels can destroy delicate foot nerves. Proper foot care for diabetics include regular visits to a doctor or podiatrist for specialized foot care. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists is a podiatrist who specializes in helping diabetics suffering from Charcot foot.

Diabetics should avoid foot injuries such bumping the feet or placing too much stress on their feet. This is to avoid possible fractures which is hard to detect because of the loss of sensation in the feet.

Possible Causes of Charcot Foot

Repeated injury and trauma to the foot can cause fractures. This can also lead to dislocation which is hard to detect especially for those with severe peripheral neuropathy. If left untreated, fractures and dislocations can cause foot deformity. Other possible causes of Charcot foot includes leprosy, weak bones, alcoholism, syphilis and smoking.

Diagnosis of Charcot Foot

Early detection of Charcot foot can be difficult. The foot condition only becomes evident when it has progressed to a point where a foot deformity has formed or the patient loses their foot’s normal functioning. Symptoms of Charcot foot are tenderness, swelling and pain. This is due to the trauma caused by a fractured bone.

Conservative treatments are available especially if Charcot foot is detected in its early stages. Treatment options incudes splints, casts, walking braces and therapeutic shoes. Patients under treatment are advised to rest their feet and discouraged from any weight bearing activities.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people with Charcot foot.  To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Diabetic Foot Care, Treating Cracked Heels Naturally

Cracked heels are more than a cosmetic nuisance.  Cracked heels can be a medical concern especially for those suffering from diabetes. Diabetic patients may have a weak immune system that makes them susceptible to serious infections.

Cracked heels can be a convenient portal for an infection. In some extreme cases could require amputation. Diabetic foot care is essential for maintaining overall health and more importantly, keeping diabetic patients away from serious complications.

Common Foot Problems for People Suffering from Diabetes

• Neuropathy – loss of sensation in the feet
• Calluses – are more common in people suffering from diabetes
• Skin changes - dry skin
• Foot ulcers – these foot wounds can provide an easy opening for infection
• Poor circulation – proper circulation does not only supply nutrients to the feet but also infection fighting agents

How to treat cracked heels naturally

Check your heels daily for thick skin, cracks, wounds and infection. Early detection makes for easier treatment. Infection is a serious threat and more so for those suffering from diabetes. If you notice any signs of infection consult a podiatrist. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are podiatrists who specializes in foot care and treating foot disorders in diabetics.

Wash your feet regularly. This also is a good time to check for any cuts or heel cracks. Avoid soaking your feet for long periods of time to prevent the skin from drying up further. Dry your feet thoroughly especially areas between the toes.

Make moisturizing a habit. Properly moisturized feet reduces skin dryness and keeps natural moisture locked in. Nerve damage due to diabetes can decrease sweat production. Moisturizing also prevent skin sores and reduces friction in sensitive skin surfaces.

Avoid the trouble of dealing with deep, thick cracked heels by treating your feet early. Use a pumice stone to gently file away at the excessive skin growth. Never use a blade or nail cutter to chip away heel cracks. This can result to cuts and infection.

Over the counter ointments are available for treating cracked heels but consulting a podiatrist remains the safest choice for treating cracked heels in diabetics. The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston specialize in helping diabetics with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Foot Health for Diabetics - Texas Foot Specialists

One major concern for diabetic is proper foot care. A compromised immune system and poor blood circulation could turn wounds and blisters into serious life threatening conditions. If left untreated, this could spread to other areas making amputation the only option for treatment.  Managing your blood sugar levels and monitoring your blood pressure is just part of the diabetic health regimen.

Quick tips

• Stop smoking
• Make regular visits to your doctor
• Stay within your recommended weight range
• Start eating more fruits and vegetable

Diabetes poses serious threats to your health and feet in particular. If you're diabetic, you are like to have poor circulation to your feet and are unable to receive the recommended amounts of oxygen and nutrients making them weak and susceptible to infection. Nerve damage could also result. This makes it harder for diabetics to immediately notice wounds.  

Diabetics are susceptible to nerve damage if:

• They are 40 years old and older
• Have above normal blood sugar levels
• Are over-weight
• They have cholesterol levels that are exceptionally high
• Suffering from high blood pressure

If you are a diabetic and suffer from the symptoms shown above, consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive foot exam.  Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with diabetes take care of their feet.

Signs of possible nerve damage in the feet

Diabetes may cause peripheral nerve damage leading to decreased sensation in the feet. It can affect how early we could identify wounds and other injuries.

• If you feel a burning or tingling sensation in the feet
• You notice a change in skin color or toes become disfigured
• This condition is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Proper foot care

Diabetics may experience difficulty in identifying wounds or blister development in the feet. Lack of sensation and long response times to injury gives infection more time to set in.

Regularly inspect your feet visually. This could be done after a bath or when removing your shoes when you reach home. Use a mirror for hard to see areas such as the soles of your feet. You could also ask for help when you are having difficulties inspecting it visually.

Keep your feet clean and free from inspection by washing your feet regularly. Sweat and dirt could collect in between toenails, ideal breeding grounds for infection.  Remember to use a towel and gently wipe off water to avoid blisters.

Walking and running produces friction between the shoes and skin. Wearing properly fitting shoes reduces the amount of friction generated from these activities. Wear shoes or slippers to constantly protect your foot from rough surfaces and sharp edges.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people suffering from diabetic foot conditions. To schedule an appointment, call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.