One of the major complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy — a condition whereby the feeling in a diabetic’s extremities is lost or diminishing.
The condition is most evident in hands and feet and if left alone can lead to serious complications and possible amputation. This condition happened to a co-worker of mine. He initially lost a toe and eventually his entire leg.
Please give special attention to any tingling sensation you may have in your hands or feet and let your doctor know right away at the first sign of any loss of feeling.
The following article highlights a foot condition common to diabetics.
Diabetes-Related Foot Condition Often Missed
FRIDAY, Jan. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A debilitating condition called Charcot foot is often missed among the nearly 30 million Americans with diabetes, doctors say.
The condition is highly treatable, but if left alone it can lead to permanent deformity, disability, surgery and even amputation, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
In the early stages of Charcot foot, bones in the foot may weaken and break. Casts can help the bones heal and special orthopedic footwear can protect the feet once the bones have healed, doctors say.
But if the condition isn’t diagnosed early, the foot continues to be damaged and can become abnormal in shape. Many patients don’t know they have Charcot foot until it’s in this late stage.
“People think they don’t have a problem because they feel no pain, but that isn’t the case,” Dr. Valerie Schade, a foot and ankle surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., said in an ACFAS news release.
“Anyone at risk for neuropathy, including diabetics, alcoholics and some chemotherapy patients, should see a foot and ankle surgeon early and at least once every year, even if they are considered low-risk,” she added.
Monitoring for changes in the feet is the single most important way to prevent Charcot foot.
“Anyone who notices a difference — discomfort, unexplained swelling or redness, or changes to the shape of the foot — should seek care right away,” Schade said.
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P.S. Please let your doctor know about any foot condition you may have that could be related to Charcot foot. You may be able to stave off a serious problem even possible amputation . . . if treated on a timely basis.
P.P.S. Visit How to Prevent Pre-diabetes for information on exercising properly with foot conditions.