Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Taking Care of Diabetes Foot Problems
- Everyone with diabetes, but especially those with neuropathy or poor circulation, should make a routine of good foot care.
People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet for a number of reasons. Diabetes-related nerve damage can reduce feeling in the feet, making it difficult to detect a foot injury. Diabetes can also impair blood circulation and wound healing by narrowing the arteries supplying blood to the legs. A wound on the foot that does not heal can turn into an ulcer (deep sore) that may become infected and possibly even require an amputation if untreated.
One fifth of all hospitalizations for diabetes are for foot infections, and over 80,000 amputations are performed each year because of diabetes complications. Proper foot care—along with keeping diabetes well controlled—can eliminate or greatly reduce these risks.
Everyone with diabetes, but especially those with neuropathy or poor circulation, should make a routine of good foot care. This routine involves inspecting each foot daily and carefully treating and monitoring even the most trivial cut or abrasion.
When abrasions occur, wash them with warm water and soap, clean them with a mild antiseptic (for example, Bactine), and cover them with a dry, sterile dressing and paper tape.
Ulcers are extremely serious; bring them to the attention of a doctor immediately. Keep toenails neatly trimmed, cut straight across rather than rounded at the ends. And at least twice a year, have each foot examined by a physician or podiatrist.
Posted in Diabetes on January 18, 2007
Reviewed June 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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