Diabetes & The Foot
How does my diabetes affect my foot?
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind but diabetes can have a significant impact on your foot health. With diabetes you may lose feeling and / or blood circulation in your legs and feet. Not being able to notice if your feet are irritated or even injured from ill-fitting shoes or accidents, such as stepping on something sharp, can result in wounds. These wounds can be hard to heal with a lack of blood circulation and are vulnerable to infection due to high blood sugar levels. At ZLPC prevention, early detection and management of these wounds is key!
prevention beginning
Prevention and control
HbA1c
Blood flow
Quit smoking
Exercise
Diet
Don’t walk barefoot
Check your feet daily
Regular checkups
To prevent complications of neuropathy, vascular disease and infection, control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol is very important. Have your HbA1c checked every three months and see your family doctor for regular check ups. Quitting smoking, physical activity and a healthy diet can also help you control your blood sugar and maximize blood flow to your feet. Talk to your doctor about what exercise is safe for you.
End of section
symptoms beginning
Symptoms of neuropathy
Numbness, tingling and / or burning
Diabetic foot ulcer
After years of living with diabetes some patients will develop a loss of nerve function and feeling, which is called peripheral neuropathy. Structural changes of their foot can also occur that increase areas of pressure. This can lead to a diabetic foot ulceration.
An ulcer is a break in the skin that penetrates to deeper layers. If the ulcer is not treated properly or if circulation is impaired it may not heal. Continued walking on the foot prevents the ulcer from healing. The ulcer can become infected and progress to the point where it threatens the foot or leg.
Symptoms of diabetic foot infection
Infected Ulcer
Redness
Swelling
Blister
Bleeding
Fever
Chills
Pain
Because of the lack of sensation in the foot you may not feel pain if you develop a foot infection. At times you may develop flu-like symptoms. Check your foot (including the bottom of your foot) for a wound, redness, swelling, drainage or a bad odour. If you have any of these symptoms seek immediate medical care at the Peter Lougheed Centre, Emergency Department.
Your first visit at ZLPC
Have you been referred to the Zivot Limb Preservation Centre? Here is some information about what to expect for your visit.
Your visitPost-visit resources
I don’t remember how I should adjust my crutches… I lost my pre-surgery booklet… Where is minor surgery again? Not to worry! Find all the information you need to ensure you heal well here.
Post-visit resourcesEnd of section
shoe-tips beginning
What to look for in a shoe
Tips to find the perfect shoe fit
It’s not easy finding the perfect shoe… but taking the time to find the right shoe and fit can help you avoid foot wounds, which can ultimately help prevent amputation!
Have your feet measured every time you buy shoes and remember your feet have 3 dimensions:
Length, width and depth.
Oh, and remember to check the length, width and depth of your feet while standing.
Have a loss of sensation in your feet? Have your shoes professionally fitted.
Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are swollen.
The ball of your foot should rest in the widest part of the shoe.
End of section
AADL Program
The Zivot Limb Preservation Centre is a licensed prescriber of Therapeutic Footwear through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) Therapeutic Footwear Program. This is a cost-sharing program run by Alberta Health that provides funding for footwear management for the neuropathic foot. Specialists at our clinic work closely with suppliers to ensure the best quality of off loading and therapeutic footwear. To learn more about the program, its benefits and if you as are eligible refer to the AADL Therapeutic Footwear Program Manual.