Foot Care

[babs2000]

Since I work for two foot doctors, I thought that I would mention foot care. I have not seen this addressed before. Because diabetics have problems with the small blood vessels in their feet it is hard to get a wound to heal. Then if you add neuropathy on top it that wounds are very hard to heal. That is why it is so important to check your feet daily. I have seen people come into our office and have something in their feet and they have no idea because their feet our numb. If you get an open wound or ulcer don't try to heal it yourself. You are just playing with fire. :itsme:

[hadi_1975]

Thank you for mentioning such an important matter. I think that because nowadays most of type 1 diabetics deal with DM complications many years after the diagnosis (not only because of early diagnosis but also good glycemic control), they may forger to do preventive measures for their feet. But we must make those measures as our routines, and I think the most important of such routines is wearing proper shoes especially when we feel numb in our feet.

[MJM]

Since I work for two foot doctors, I thought that I would mention foot care. I have not seen this addressed before. Because diabetics have problems with the small blood vessels in their feet it is hard to get a wound to heal. Then if you add neuropathy on top it that wounds are very hard to heal. That is why it is so important to check your feet daily. I have seen people come into our office and have something in their feet and they have no idea because their feet our numb. If you get an open wound or ulcer don't try to heal it yourself. You are just playing with fire. :itsme:

Well said Babs, I think it's an extremely important matter, and it should be pointed out to all diabetics how vital foot care is.:congrats:

[pinkytricia]

When I worked at the hospital I had to stop wearing my favorite clogs because of the fiction... being pushed back and forth and back caused a sore on my toes... Talk about being scared I thought my foot was going to be cut off.... Then I watched my sugar like a hawk... Sometimes it seems we have to go thru things like that to snap us out of the routine....

Down here in the Valley Wound Care Centers are always busy.... My people can be very stubborn.... We love our carby foods....Tortillas,beans,rice,pan dulce,tortillas ...Freshly made TORTILLAS..... mmmmmm....

[Stuboy]

I've been called to go in for a diabetic foot examination on the 15th Jan 2007!

[pinkytricia]

Good luck... Stuboy... Do you have an ouchy... Do you have sore spot?

[Stuboy]

nope, nada, not a thing, apparently im "over due" a diabetic foot examination though.. i've only been diabetic for 6 months...

[kgm0612]

I walk 3 to 3-1/2 miles every night and have caluses on the bottom of my feet. I go every 8 or 9 weeks to the foot doc so he can scrape them down for me.

Karen

[Alene]

What sort of things can we do to take care of our feet at home? Keeping them clean, checking for cuts, moisturizing? Is there anything else?

[babs2000]

One very important thing is to wear the proper shoes-a sturdy hard soled shoe helps alot. Do not ever go barefoot-especially if you have neuropathy. Check your feet often and I would suggest if you find any open spots you see a doctor as soon as you can. I know that we all think that it is just a little open area but the sooner a professional looks at the the better off you are. Alot of PCP's won't tell you this-but if you have an open spot on your foot-don't take a shower. This is really gross but all the germs from your body will wash down into the open area. This can cause a nasty infection and can be hard to heal. Like you said-keep them mosturized but not between the toes-that is a breeding ground for germs. Any thing else I will be glad to help. Beth:flowers:

[Alene]

Thanks for the tips! My feet to seem to be in good shape aside from a few callouses. I should throw out my old shoes.

[sweetcheeks]

can you wear nike's???? i wear ball/tennis shoes other known as sneakers, i hate dress shoes the only time i wear those is to work, but im confused what types of shoes to wear?

[babs2000]

Yes you can wear Nike's. Proper fit is the key.

[sweetcheeks]

ty vm... i have been wondering that for a few months now

[mg_2204]

... I've noticed a little thingy on my left foot. When I walk barefoot (I know, I shouldn't do that!) I feel it and it bothers me. I'll show it to my doc on my Jan 15th appointment and he'll probably refer me to a foot doc. In the mean time I keep an eye on it. It's tiny, a bit like a tiny round pebble.

I feel the only huge sacrifice I've made because of diabetes is... shoes! I still look at those beautiful uncomfortable high heels stilettos and other narrow tight trendy shoes but I don't buy them anymore.

[babs2000]

Sounds like you might have a wart. There are many new treatments for them now. My son-in-law just had two cut out last Thursday.

[Caroline]

Hi there,
Because of neuropathy in my feet I have found out that I have broken 2 toes without realising (at different times!) Has anyone else had this? How long did they take to heal?x

[mg_2204]

Because of neuropathy in my feet I have found out that I have broken 2 toes without realising (at different times!) Has anyone else had this? How long did they take to heal?x

I broke my right little toe years ago (while playing with the kids! That'll teach me) and oh yesssssss!!! I felt it alright. And the toe went black, I thought it would fall off!!!! It took a while to heal and I was not able to wear (closed) shoes for a long while. Fortunately it was summer time. The toe stayed sensitive for a long while too.

[sofaraway]

I have seen necrotic toes/feet and they are horrible, so I always take good general care of my feet. personally though I go barefoot in my own home, wear sandles and flip flops. i have no problems with circulation or loss of sensation.

[sweetcheeks]

i go barefoot at home or at my family's houses while im there or with socks, but ill not be going barefoot this summer like i used too unless im in the pool lol

[Eri's mom]

I had to take Eri to a podiatrist yesterday(my dad's friend and his doc, my dad is a T2)...
She got a splinter in her big toe...really deep. She was wearing socks, but the carpet had been pulled up and sanded and some big piece just found its way into her toe.
It seems to be healing nicely. We had a scare w/ her foot once in FL...while at the beach, she stepped on something and had that lovely red line going up her leg from her foot...but antibiotics stopped it.

[Denkes62]

A good friend of mine had a bad sore on his leg. He was visiting a wound center to have it healed. It wasn't healing until he started placing it in front of an air purifier that generates ozone, and letting the ozone blow over the wound. It stated healing almost within the hour, you could watch it dry up and scab over.

Denny Kessler

[Denkes62]

Has anyone found anything to reverse or improve neuropathy? My to had turned black, and within two months they turned pink again once I started using a vitamin/mineral supplement. I also had lst the ability to use a muscle in the front of my lower leg, two months later, I regained the use of that muscle. However, my neuropathy continues to get worse.

Denny Kessler

[HelenM]

If you get an open wound or ulcer don't try to heal it yourself.

Does every person with diabetes really need to go to a doctor with a foot injury? I had several blisters when I was training for the marathon and they healed quickly.
I ask because I stubbed my little toe in the dark (barefoot) last night, it hurt a lot and as I realised in the morning light had bled quite a lot . I've knocked off the skin on the end of it. As far as I can see the toe is pink and healthy and is slightly sore. I was just going to see how it healed until I read this thread.

[mex]

I suggest seeing a doctor at once. one of my friends faced a similar circumstance and the result was terrible. I don't mean to scare you but the little injury later became a mighty ulcer.

[blonde kiddo]

I once said to a (very gullible) friend I shouldn't eat chocolate because it would make my toes fall off! She was like REALLY??! Well its true in a round about way!!