| Diabetics have special considerations to keep in mind | | | | not visible on the skin, as the objects causing this tend |
| when caring for their feet. What follows is a simple | | | | to be small (for example, a sewing needle). These |
| guide to ways in which diabetics can protect their feet | | | | deep infections are not noticed until they are severe |
| and avoid foot problems that can lead to wounds, | | | | enough to cause redness, swelling, and sometimes |
| infections, and possibly amputations. | | | | drainage if fluid is able to work its way to the surface. |
| Wearing Shoes At All Times: | | | | Most of the time these deep infections require surgery |
| Although most people don�t realize it, the | | | | to drain the infection, and if ignored long enough, |
| ground is full of dangers to the diabetic foot. Most all | | | | sometimes removal of bone or amputation of part of |
| diabetics have some form of poor foot sensation | | | | the foot is necessary. These problems can be easily |
| (neuropathy). Although normally painful, diabetics may | | | | prevented by wearing shoes at all times. Shoes in |
| not feel anything when they step on a sharp object, or | | | | general will protect the foot from most puncture |
| they may feel a sensation that is too dull to notice. This | | | | wounds. It is vitally important that shoes be worn at |
| becomes a problem as diabetics generally heal poorly | | | | home as well, since the majority of puncture wounds |
| from puncture wounds to the feet, and are much | | | | seen in our offices occurred in the home. A dedicated |
| more likely to develop an infection from the bacteria | | | | clean 'house shoe' is recommended, but even a slipper |
| living on the object puncturing the skin. This object can | | | | with a thick sole will do. Finally, it is important to quickly |
| occasionally penetrate deep into the foot. | | | | inspect the inside of one�s shoes or slippers, |
| Unfortunately, most puncture wounds that go deep are | | | | as occasionally objects fall into them. |