Podiatrist Care for Foot Health and Diabetes

Feet in running shoes on pavement.

Feet in running shoes on pavement.
Clemson Extension RHN Team Picture Bank

Foot care is crucial in managing diabetes and greatly affects our overall health and well-being. Almost 50 percent of people living with diabetes do not have any symptoms of neuropathy in their feet. This means that they are living with neuropathy and the effects of it without even noticing. Although different types of diabetic neuropathy can affect people who have diabetes, research suggests that up to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. More than 30 percent of people with diabetes have autonomic neuropathy.

Neuropathy, described as pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, or a loss of feeling in the feet, can happen without you noticing. Cuts and sores can appear and may not be noticed due to the loss of feeling. This can cause dangerous side effects, like infections or inflammation. It is essential to monitor foot health often to ensure the skin is healthy and not at risk for further complications. Other diabetes-related problems that can occur with the feet are ulcers and Charcot. Charcot foot, also called Charcot arthropathy, is a disease that attacks the bones, joints, and soft tissue in your feet. Charcot is due to nerve damage, but it is one of the most common side effects of neuropathy. It is related to the bones losing their firmness, becoming more fragile, and at a higher risk for breaks or fractures.

For more information about the importance of foot care while living with diabetes and the effects of neuropathy, check out HGIC 1234, Foot Care for People with Diabetes.

Podiatry

A podiatrist can help in many ways to ensure your feet are properly taken care of and are not at risk for injury. Seeing a podiatrist can help monitor neuropathy and the treatment associated with it. They can help with the blood vessel system of the feet and are very cautious of signs and symptoms of possible damage or injury. They can also check how blood flows in the feet to ensure good circulation. Not only can they monitor changes or noticeable damage, but they can also catch signs or symptoms of future problems. This is important because the earlier these problems are noticed, the better. Podiatrists can help monitor and treat the conditions or symptoms they diagnose. They can also guide you in correctly trimming your toenails, washing your feet, and choosing the type of shoes that best fit to provide comfort without causing concerns or injury.

Foot Care Tips

  1. Check your feet regularly to ensure no cuts, sores, bruising, or discoloration. As this becomes a part of your daily routine, you are more likely to notice changes or signs of injury internally or externally. The quicker you recognize these signs, the easier it is to get treatment and prevent further injury.
  2. Wash your feet regularly with mild soap and warm water and then dry them carefully to prevent foot problems that can lead to serious health issues like infections.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly. Choose shoes that are the right size and fit comfortably, with enough room for your toes to move freely. Avoid shoes that are too tight or loose, as these can cause blisters, calluses, and other foot problems. Look for shoes with good arch support and a cushioned insole to help absorb shock and protect your feet.
  4. Look at your shoes regularly and check for any loose objects or sharp pieces that may cause injury to your feet.
  5. Wear shoes when walking, even around the house, to prevent injury by stepping on objects that may be sharp or rough. This is beneficial if you have lost some or all feeling in your feet to protect against accidentally stepping on sharp objects and not noticing.
  6. Contact your podiatrist or primary care provider if your problem continues or does not improve.
  7. Look for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal on the package when shopping for diabetes foot care essentials to ensure the product has been approved for people with diabetes. These products have been approved/accepted by podiatrists to aid in foot care.

Seeing a podiatrist can greatly help monitor your foot health and take action if any signs or symptoms occur.

References:

  1. 8 Tips to Protect Your Feet with Diabetes | ADA. (n.d.). https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/diabetes-and-your-feet/8-tips-protect-your-feet
  2. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.-b). Diabetes – foot care. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-foot-care
  3. Diabetic foot care: Why regular visits to a podiatrist are essential for. (2023, October 6). Joint Replacement Institute. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://www.jointinstitutefl.com/2023/10/06/diabetic-foot-care-why-regular-visits-to-a-podiatrist-are-essential-for/
  4. Jongebloed-Westra, M., Bode, C., Bente, B. E., De Jonge, J. M., Klooster, P. M. T., Koffijberg, H., Exterkate, S. H., Van Netten, J. J., & Van Gemert-Pijnen, J. E. W. C. (2022). Attitudes and experiences towards the application of motivational interviewing by podiatrists working with people with Diabetes at high-risk of developing foot ulcers: a mixed-methods study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-022-00567-y
  5. National Hansen’s Disease Programs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, & Healthcare Systems Bureau. (2013). FOOT CARE FOR a LIFETIME.
  6. Promoting foot health. (2024, May 15). Diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/hcp/clinical-guidance/diabetes-podiatrist-health.html
  7. Ropp, H. (n.d.). Why you should be seeing a podiatrist if you have Diabetes. Lehigh Valley Health Network. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://www.lvhn.org/news/why-you-should-be-seeing-podiatrist-if-you-have-diabetes
  8. Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program | APMA. https://www.apma.org/Patients/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1108
  9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. What is diabetic neuropathy? – niddk. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy#:~:text=cannot%20function%20well.-,How%20common%20is%20diabetic%20neuropathy%3F,
    with%20diabetes%20have%20peripheral%20neuropathy.&text=More%20than%2030%20percent%20of%2
    0people%20with%20diabetes%20have%20autonomic%20neuropathy.

If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.

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