Diabetic FootDiabetic foot complications are the most common cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the world. The risk of lower extremity amputation is up 46 times higher in diabetics than in people who do not have diabetes mellitus. 
Diabetic ulcers are the most common foot injuries leading to amputation. Family physicians have a pivotal role in the prevention or early diagnosis of diabetic foot complications. Furthermore, foot complications are the most frequent reason for hospitalization in patients with diabetes, accounting for up to 25% of all diabetic admissions in the United States and Great Britain. Management of the diabetic foot requires a thorough knowledge of the major risk factors for amputation, frequent routine evaluation and meticulous preventive maintenance. The most common risk factors for ulcer formation include diabetic neuropathy, structural foot deformity and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Early detection and appropriate treatment of the ulcers may prevent up to 85% of amputations. Foot care involves all aspects of preventative and corrective care of the foot and ankle. Doctors specializing in foot care are called podiatrists. Unfortunately, several studies have found that primary care physicians too often overlook foot exams in diabetic patients during routine office visits. The feet of hospitalized diabetics may also be inadequately evaluated. Careful inspection of the diabetic foot on a regular basis is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective measures for preventing foot complications. Patient education regarding foot hygiene, nail care and proper footwear is crucial to reducing the risk of an injury that can lead to ulcer formation. You must stick to a systematic regimen of diagnosis and classification can improve communication between family physicians and diabetes sub-specialists and facilitate appropriate treatment of complications. This team approach may ultimately lead to a reduction in lower extremity amputations related to diabetes. Daily foot care for people likely to develop foot problems includes washing the feet in tepid water with mild soap and oiling the feet with vegetable oil or a lanolin-based lotion. Toenails should be cut straight across above the level of the skin after soaking the feet in tepid water. Corns and calluses should not be cut. If they need removal, it should be done under the care of a doctor. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts should also be treated by a doctor if they develop in high risk patients. Many people with diabetes or circulatory disorders have problems with cold feet. These problems can be reduced by avoiding smoking tobacco (smoking constricts the blood vessels), wearing warm socks, not crossing the legs while sitting or not sitting in one position too long, or avoiding constricting stockings. People with circulatory problems should not use heating pads or hot water bottles on their feet, as even moderate heat can damage the skin if circulation is impaired. There are 4 stages to diabetic ulcers; 1. The ulcer has penetrated the top layer of skin 2. The ulcer has penetrated the next layer of skin 3. The depth of the ulcer has deepened to the muscle 4. The depth of the ulcer has deepened to the bone. Once it gets to the bone, the risk of amputation is far greater. So every time you see your doctor, take your shoes and socks off. When he asks what you did that for tell him you are diabetic and you want your feet examined.Recently I was diagnosed with neuropathy, even though I keep my sugar at a good level. It's not bad but it is causing some problems. One of those problems is the nerves in my feet are not operating the oil glands properly. So my feet get dried and cracked, even when I used a moisturizer every day. My doctor told me what to use, it sounds weird but it works. Mix Vaseline and Crisco together at a 50/50 ratio, just before you go to bed apply it to your feet, put socks on and hit the rack. My feet feel so much better now! Return to top of Diabetic Foot
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