Hi Injecto: Can I suggest that you get a pair
of skimmers( verythin rubber sockets that do
come in cool colours
)to stop the chance
of getting plantar warts when walking in pool
areas and public showers?
I got those twice while on vacation. I ended
up spreading them to the Family when I showered
at home since I didn't know I had them.
The roots of the warts go deep into the foot and
hurts like heck even before they go deep. Also hurts
to get them removed.
Just thought I'd mention it.
Here's some percentages. They are a few yrs. old so
just add a few points to each number. Close enough.
I had this up the other day but just wanted to remove
some unnecessary stuff from it.
DIABETES AND THE FOOT
Chronic hyperglycaemia (raised blood glucose levels) is usually associated with long-term damage to the body and the failure of various organs and tissues. People with diabetes are at risk of nerve damage (neuropathy) and problems with the blood supply to their feet (ischaemia). Nerve damage results in a reduced ability to feel pain, and injuries often go un-noticed. Ischaemia can slow down any wound healing. Both neuropathy and ischaemia can lead to foot ulcers. Infections in these wounds may ultimately result in amputation.
A few facts and figures
• People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose a leg than people without the condition.
• Throughout the world, up to 70% of all leg amputations happen to people with diabetes.
• Somewhere in the world a leg is lost to diabetes every thirty seconds
• It is estimated that up to 85% of all amputations due to diabetes can be prevented.
• 85% of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer.
• Many foot ulcers can be prevented with suitable healthcare and informed self-care.
• In developed countries one in every six people with diabetes will have an ulcer during their lifetime.
• In developing countries, foot problems related to diabetes are thought to be even more common.
• Foot problems account for up to 15% of healthcare resources in developed countries. In developing countries, it has been estimated that foot problems may account for as much as 40% of the total available resources.
Incidence of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations in North America
In North America, diabetic foot disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and contributes significantly to increased health costs.
• Foot complications are a major reason for admission to hospital and account for 20% of diabetes-related admissions.
• More than 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur among people with diabetes. In the USA, there are approximately 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations performed annually among people with diabetes.
• More than 80% of lower-limb amputations are preceded by foot ulceration.
• There is a two-fold increased risk of ulcers and amputations among Hispanic/Latino Americans and African Americans, and a four-fold increased rate among Pima Indians.
• The rate of lower-extremity amputation (LEA) in men has been found to be 2.6 higher than in woman, adjusted for age and duration of diabetes.
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• In 2000, the LEA rate was highest for toe amputations (3.0), followed by below-the-knee (2.3), above-the-knee (1.4) and foot (1.0). In 2001, the LEA rate was 6.5 per 1000 people with diabetes.
• Caribbean countries have a high prevalence of diabetes and a high rate of diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations, particularly in the Caribbean black population. In Barbados the amputation rate is 9.4 per 1000, similar to rates for African Americans (9.5 per 1000).
• The habit of going barefoot is common in Caribbean countries and accounts for many diabetic foot problems. In individuals with previous foot ulceration, 47% report that they go barefoot in the home, and 17% go barefoot outside the home.
Management of the diabetic foot
The ideal management for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot problems includes:
• Regular inspection of the diabetic foot
• Identification of the foot at risk
• Education of people with diabetes and healthcare professionals
• Appropriate footwear
• Rapid treatment of all foot problems
What are the warning signs?
It is important to know the warning signs in order to identify the foot at risk. These include:
• Swelling of the foot or ankle
• Very cold feet or legs
• Color changes: red, blue or black discoloration
• Pain in legs at rest or while walking
• Open sores, no matter how small
• Non healing wounds
• In-growing toe nails
• Corns and calluses
• Lack of hair growth on the foot
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