Diabetic Amputation Prevention - San Francisco Podiatrist Union Square CA

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Diabetic Amputation Prevention - San Francisco Podiatrist Union Square CA

Dr. Bill Metaxas discusses the Diabetic Complications and Amputation Prevention.  

http://www.footankleinstitutesf.com

DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS AND AMPUTATION PREVENTION

People with diabetes are prone to many foot problems, often because of two complications of diabetes: nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, so you may not detect an injury or irritation. Poor circulation in your feet reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.

When you have diabetes, you need to be aware of how foot problems can arise from disturbances in the skin, nails, nerves, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. Furthermore, in diabetes, small foot problems can turn into serious complications.

You can do much to prevent amputation by taking two important steps:

• Follow the proactive measures discussed below
• See your foot and ankle surgeon regularly.

Your Proactive Measures

You play a vital role in reducing complications. Follow these guidelines and contact your foot and ankle surgeon if you notice any problems:

• Inspect your feet daily. Skin or nail problems-Look for cuts, scrapes, redness, drainage, swelling, bad odor, rash, discoloration, loss of hair on toes, injuries, or nail changes (deformed, striped, yellowed or discolored, thickened, or not growing). Signs of fracture-If your foot is swollen, red, hot, or has changed in size, shape, or direction, see your foot and ankle surgeon immediately. (If your eyesight is poor, have someone else do it for you.)
• Observe for changes in circulation. Pay attention to the color of your toes. If they turn red, pink, or purplish when your legs hang down while sitting, poor circulation may be a problem.
• Don't ignore leg pain. Pain in the leg that occurs at night or with a little activity could mean you have a blocked artery. Seek care immediately.
• Nail cutting. If you have any nail problems, hard nails, or reduced feeling in your feet, your toenails should be trimmed professionally.
• No bathroom surgery. Never trim calluses or corns yourself, and don't use over-the-counter medicated pads.
• Keep floors free of sharp objects. Make sure there are no needles, insulin syringes, or other sharp objects on the floor.
• Don't go barefoot. Wear shoes, indoors and outdoors.
• Check shoes and socks. Shake out your shoes before putting them on. Make sure your socks aren't bunched up.
• Have your sense of feeling tested. Your foot and ankle surgeon will perform various tests to see if you've lost any feeling.

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