What are the causes of foot problem in diabetes?
Foot problems in diabetes are usually the result of three primary factors:
Neuropathy (Nerve damage) - The ability to detect sensation or vibration may diminish.
Poor circulation (Peripheral vascular disease) – This can cause cramping in the calf or buttocks when walking.
Infections – This is due to deficiency in the ability of white blood cell to defend against invading bacteria and decreased immunity.
People with diabetes are at increased risk for lower extremities amputation due to peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Apart from this corn and callus formation, blisters, dry feet, hammer toes, ulcer and foot deformities all increase the risk of amputation.
What kind of foot problems can happen in Diabetes?
●Common problem includes infection, ulceration or gangrene that may lead, in severe cases to amputation of toe, foot or leg.
●It has been seen that 15% of the population with diabetes develop foot ulcer during the course of disease, which can be prevented by normal foot care.
When foot care is more important?
● When loss of feeling or sensation in the feet.
●When changes occur in the shape of feet.
●When foot ulcers or sores do not heal.
Nerve damage can cause you to lose sensation in your feet. You may not feel a pebble inside your shoe or sock that is causing a sore. You may not feel a blister caused by poorly fitting shoes. Foot injuries such as these can cause ulcers which may lead to amputation.
Keeping your blood sugar (glucose) in good control and taking care of your feet every day can help you avoid serious foot problems.
Caring For Your Feet….
Most of these problems are preventable through proper care & regular to the physician.
(The author is Dr. Thampi, CMO, Swami Parmanand Chikitsalaya Yoga Avam Anusandhan Kendra.)