If you have diabetes, paying attention to diabetic feet is not just a suggestion; it’s a critical daily habit. For those living in Chatham, NJ, managing diabetic feet means understanding how fluctuating blood sugar levels can impact nerve function and circulation in your lower limbs.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) that takes away the feeling in your feet, meaning you might not notice a cut, blister, or sore until it becomes infected. Combined with poor blood flow, these small injuries can turn into serious complications quickly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your feet and how local physical therapy can play a vital role in your overall health.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Foot Health
When we talk about diabetic feet, we are referring to a combination of potential complications that arise from high blood sugar levels over time. The two main culprits are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage your nerves. In your feet, this often manifests as a loss of sensation. You might step on a tack or wear shoes that rub a blister, but because the nerves aren’t sending pain signals to your brain, you don’t feel it. Without pain to warn you, the injury goes untreated and can become infected.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes also affects blood flow. Poor circulation means that not enough blood flows to your legs and feet, making it harder for a sore or infection to heal. This condition creates a dangerous cycle: you get injured because you can’t feel it, and you can’t heal because of poor blood flow.
Common Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems
Early detection is the best defense against severe complications. Residents in Chatham should be on the lookout for these symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation is often the first sign of nerve damage.
- Changes in skin color: Redness can indicate infection, while blue or black discoloration may signal blood flow issues.
- Temperature changes: If your feet feel unusually hot or cold, it could indicate inflammation or poor circulation.
- Sores that won’t heal: Any cut or ulcer that doesn’t start healing within a few days requires professional attention.
- Dry, cracked skin: High blood glucose can cause skin to dry out and crack, opening the door for bacteria.
Daily Foot Care Routine for Diabetes Management
Preventing complications with diabetic feet starts at home. Establishing a consistent routine is the most effective way to protect your mobility.
Inspect Your Feet Daily
Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corn, or calluses. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if you can’t lift them up, or ask a family member for help.
Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Wash your feet every day in warm (not hot) water. Do not soak your feet, as your skin can get dry. Dry them completely, especially between the toes, as moisture there can lead to fungal infections.
Keep Skin Soft and Smooth
Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. This prevents cracking without encouraging fungal growth.
Trim Toenails Carefully
Trim your toenails straight across and smooth the corners with an emery board or nail file. This prevents ingrown toenails. If you can’t see or reach your feet, or if you have thick, yellowed nails, visit a podiatrist or a foot care specialist.
Wear Shoes and Socks at All Times
Never walk barefoot, not even indoors. It is too easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
How Physical Therapy Helps with Diabetic Foot Care
While most people associate foot care with podiatrists, physical therapy plays a massive role in managing diabetic feet. At Body Moksha Physical Therapy, we focus on prevention and maintenance through movement and education.
Improving Circulation
Exercise is one of the best ways to improve blood circulation. A physical therapist can design a low-impact exercise program that gets your blood pumping to your extremities without putting dangerous pressure on your feet.
Gait Training and Balance
Neuropathy can affect your balance and how you walk (your gait). This can lead to falls or uneven pressure on your feet, causing calluses and ulcers. We can analyze your walking pattern and help you correct imbalances to protect your feet and prevent falls.
Footwear Assessment
Wearing the wrong shoes is a leading cause of diabetic foot ulcers. A physical therapist can assess your footwear to ensure it provides adequate support and room, reducing friction and pressure points.
Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Feet
Managing diabetes is a holistic effort. Beyond specific foot care, general lifestyle choices have a direct impact on the health of your feet.
- Manage Blood Sugar: Keeping your blood glucose in your target range is the single most important thing you can do to prevent nerve and blood vessel damage.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow, which exacerbates circulation problems in diabetic feet.
- Stay Active: Regular activity improves circulation and helps control blood sugar. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week, but always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.
When to See a Professional in Chatham
If you notice any significant changes in your feet, do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Immediate professional care is needed if you experience:
- Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
- Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
- Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well.
- A change in the shape of your feet over time.
- Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
- Thickening and yellowing of the toenails.
For those in Chatham Township and surrounding areas, access to quality care is close by. Whether you need assistance with mobility issues related to diabetes or general physical therapy, our team is here to support your journey to better health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Feet
Can diabetic foot problems be reversed?
While diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is generally permanent, the symptoms can often be managed. However, circulation issues and skin conditions can often be improved or reversed with strict blood sugar control, medication, and lifestyle changes like exercise and smoking cessation.
What are the best shoes for diabetic feet?
The best shoes for diabetic feet have a deep toe box (plenty of room for toes), good arch support, and cushioning. They should be made of breathable materials like leather or canvas. Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes.
How often should a diabetic check their feet?
You should check your feet yourself every single day. Additionally, you should have a complete foot exam by a healthcare professional at least once a year, or more often if you have foot problems.
Why do diabetics lose toes?
Amputation usually occurs because an infection in the foot spreads to the bone or tissue and cannot be stopped, often due to poor circulation preventing antibiotics from reaching the infection and healing factors from repairing the tissue. This usually starts with a simple ulcer that goes unnoticed.
Taking the Next Step for Your Health
Your feet are your foundation. Protecting them ensures you can maintain your independence and continue doing the activities you love. By staying vigilant with your daily care routine and partnering with professionals who understand the complexities of diabetes, you can keep your feet healthy.
If you are experiencing mobility issues or want to learn safe exercises to improve circulation in your legs and feet, Body Moksha Physical Therapy is here to help. Our 5-star rated team in Chatham creates personalized plans to help you stay active and pain-free.
Request an appointment today to discuss how we can support your long-term health and mobility.