footprints an informational newsletter for patients of APMA member podiatrists October 2017
special EDITION
Include a DPM for Diabetes Prevention & Manage ment
According to the CDC, more than 100 million US adults are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, it is essential to include a podiatrist for proper diabetes prevention and management. In fact, podiatrists can reduce amputation rates up to 80 percent. In order for you not to become a part of that statistic, here are a few simple things you can do to keep your risk for diabetic ulcers and amputation low:
Inspect feet daily. Check your Don’t go barefoot. Don’t go 1 feet and toes every day for 5 without shoes, even in your cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to own home. The risk of cuts and the toenails, such as thickening or infection is too great for those discoloration. with diabetes.
Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid Never try to remove calluses, 2 socks with seams, which could 6 corns, or warts by yourself. rub and cause blisters or other Over-the-counter products can burn skin injuries. the skin and cause irreparable damage to the foot for people Exercise. Walking can keep with diabetes. 3 weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear See a podiatrist. Regular appropriate athletic shoes when 7 checkups by a podiatrist— exercising. at least annually—are the best Walking can keep way to ensure that your feet weight down and Have new shoes properly remain healthy. 4 measured and fitted. Foot size improve circulation. and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.
Special thanks to Spenco by Implus for helping us raise awareness about diabetes. What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer? A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication. However, it is important to know that diabetic foot ulcers are preventable. APMA Tip: If you have trouble reaching your feet to One of the biggest ways you can complete your daily foot exam, prop up a mirror on the reduce your risk of developing a floor or ask a friend or family member for help. diabetic foot ulcer is by performing a daily foot exam. Here’s how:
Check for loss of sensation in the Recently Diagnosed with they don’t function properly. People feet, called peripheral neuropathy with peripheral neuropathy have Diabetes or Prediabetes? Examine skin for calluses, blisters, decreased or abnormal sensation in sores, excessively dry or cracked Being recently diagnosed with their toes and fingers. According to skin, or any other unusual conditions, diabetes or prediabetes can be the American Diabetes Association, especially between the toes overwhelming. Your podiatrist can 60 to 70 percent of people with help take some of the worry by diabetes will develop neuropathy Look for signs of decreased giving you the right tools to lead a within their lifetime. Common circulation such as thin, fragile, healthy and happy life despite being symptoms of peripheral neuropathy shiny skin with loss of hair diabetic or pre-diabetic. How can include burning, numbness, tingling, Check the feet for extreme your podiatrist help? or shooting or stabbing pain in the temperatures (excessive warmth Your podiatrist can help you avoid toes and/or fingertips. or coldness) foot-related complications. Diabetes If these symptoms sound familiar, Inspect nails for thickening, can increase your risk for peripheral talk to your podiatrist right away. ingrown corners, excessive length, neuropathy. He or she can help diagnose and and fungal infection maintain peripheral neuropathy. Inspect socks or pantyhose for What is Peripheral Peripheral neuropathy can cause blood or any discharge Neuropathy? numbness in your feet and ankles, Examine footwear for torn linings, Your peripheral nerves are the nerves so if you injure yourself, you may not foreign objects like rocks or that travel to your arms and legs. even know it. Injuries like these can small pebbles, improper fit, and When the nerves are damaged, develop into a diabetic foot ulcer. irritating seams
Diabetes does not need to control you or your life. Including a podiatrist in your diabetes- management team can help you live the life you want to live.
Doctors of podiatric medicine are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known AMERICAN PODIATRIC M EDICAL ASSOCIATION as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose 9312 Old Georgetown Road • Bethesda, MD 20814-1621 and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. www.apma.org