Diabetes and Foot Nerves

Ever wondered why it’s important to keep your blood glucose levels in check? Here’s one reason: If your levels get too high, the excess glucose in your blood can damage the nerves in your feet — a condition known as neuropathy — and hinder blood flow to your lower extremities.

Without properly functioning nerves, you might experience numbness, and something as harmless as a blister on your heel could become infected before you realize it’s there. But it doesn’t have to come to that.

Rule No. 1 of diabetes foot care: Get to know your feet. Inspect your feet daily from toenails to heel, and treat any abnormalities you find, such as dryness, cuts, sores and calluses. If a wound is oozing, inflamed or painful, seek medical attention — it could be infected.

Don’t think of caring for your feet as a chore. Think of it as pampering a part of your body you take for granted. Here’s how:

• Battle brittleness. Infections can develop in cracked skin, so it is important to moisturize your feet. Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water. Towel thoroughly but gently after bathing and apply lotion regularly; avoid moisturizing between the toes.
• Clip carefully. Trim your toenails in a straight line and file jagged edges.
• Scrutinize shoes. Check for pebbles or other debris in your shoes before putting them on.
• Keep ’em covered. Forget going barefoot — comfortable, properly fitted shoes and socks should protect your feet at all times.

While performing your daily feet inspection, you notice that the right foot is swollen. Don’t shrug off the swelling — it could be a sign of something serious.

Individuals with long-term or severe diabetic neuropathy in the feet are at risk for a condition called Charcot foot. Over time, the bones in the feet may become so weak that they break or shift, and the foot can become deformed.

Swelling is an early sign of Charcot foot, and other symptoms include pain and warm, irritated skin. Swift diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid significant damage. Consult your doctor or endocrinologist, who may refer you to a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon. Casting and rest — and in some cases, surgery — can take care of the problem.

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