Foot Care - FAQ

Why is there so much talk about feet and diabetes ?

Most people with diabetes have no initial trouble with their feet, but progressive damage to the blood vessels and nerves can cause severe problems. Damage to the blood vessels can cause poor circulation in:

  • the large blood vessels in the legs - Ischaemia
  • the small blood vessels in the skin - Peripheral vascular disease

Damage to the nerves can cause a loss of sensation in the feet - pain sensation can be lost so that the feet may not be protected against damage.

You can help yourself to prevent damage to the blood vessels and nerves in your feet by keeping good control your blood sugar level as set by your doctor, stop smoking and keep active.

Should I be putting cream on my feet every day?

Wash your feet daily and be careful to dry them well – especially between the toes.

If your skin is dry use a moisturising cream on your skin daily on your feet. Avoid using it between your toes that can make the skin too moist.

Can I still cut my own nails now that I have diabetes?

You may continue to look after your own feet if you have no visual problems of foot damage. If you have 'high risk feet (your doctor or nurse will examine your feet and tell you if you have), you will need to attend a podiatrist for foot care. For most people with diabetes, they can cut their own nails. Cut your toenails straight across and not too short. File them if it is easier.

I have recently been given a foot spa and was very disappointed to read a caution on the side of the box that it was not suitable for people with diabetes. Is this true?

If you have neuropathy (nerve damage) you definitely should check with your diabetes team before using this product. If you do not have neuropathy make sure you check the temperature of the water carefully and don’t soak your feet for too long.

What is gangrene?

Gangrene (gang"green) is the name given to the gradual destruction of living tissue, a common result of inadequate blood and oxygen supply, usually due to arterial obstruction. Gangrene usually follows a disorder that cuts off the blood supply to an area of the body.

The most common category of gangrene is "dry" gangrene. This kind of gangrene, caused by a gradual reduction in the blood supply to the tissues, is almost exclusively limited to the extremities - especially feet and toes.

In early stages, dry gangrene causes some dull, aching pain - the affected area is extremely painful to palpate (touch). Then, it becomes cold, dry and wrinkled. The skin changes in colour to dark brown, then a dark purplish-blue, then completely black.

"Wet" gangrene is usually the result of infection and the process is accelerated. However, this form is relatively rare.

Gangrene is often treated by an operation to remove the dead tissue. If it's an area of tissue that can be removed, the operation is called debridement - the surgical removal of lacerated, devitalized, or contaminated tissue.

If it's an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, or toe that has to be removed, the operation is called an amputation - the surgical removal of an affected part of the body.

Other standard medical treatments include:

  • antibiotics (usually intravenously, through a needle in a vein)
  • pain killers
  • blood thinners (to make sure that blood clots don't form)
  • extra oxygen - either by a mask or nasal prongs, or in a hyperbaric
  • oxygen chamber (very high pressures of pure oxygen are used to treat the gangrenous area).

 

APP/KOL/AC 22/02/07