written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Approximately half of the 29 million Americans with diabetes have a condition called diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. Symptoms range from tingling and numbness in the extremities to digestive issues and shooting pain. If the condition isn’t treated, patients may develop more severe conditions such as bladder and kidney infections, sexual dysfunction and ulcers on the feet.
Although proper management of diabetes can lessen the complications, progress can be slow. For those with nerve problems in the feet, ulcers can lead to infections and possibly amputation. In 2010, about 73,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed in adults aged 20 years or older with diagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Self-care of the feet is and important part of reducing the chances of long-term damage or amputation. Here are 10 tips for taking care of your feet.
1. Inspect your feet daily for cracks, calluses and wounds but do not trim corns or calluses.
2. Wash your feet gently.
3. Moisturize your feet with alcohol-free moisturizer, avoiding skin between the toes.
4. Cut nails carefully and straight.
5. Always wear clean, dry socks that fit properly.
6. Keep the insides of your shoes clean and dry.
7. Keep your feet warm and dry – avoid extreme temperatures.
8. Never walk barefoot.
9. Wear proper diabetic footwear and break in new shoes slowly.
10. Be sure to have a physician examine your feet regularly.
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