$Unique_ID{BRK01157}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{How to Prevent Foot Infection from Diabetes}
$Subject{foot infection diabetes}
$Volume{A-17}
$Log{
Diabetes-Overview*0009801.scf
Diabetes-Causes*0009802.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How to Prevent Foot Infection from Diabetes


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QUESTION:  I have just gone through a frightening episode with my husband that
I don't want to see again.  He suffers from diabetes, and suddenly he
developed an infection in his foot that was very difficult to cure.  He is
better now, but we would like to know any tips you may have that could help us
to prevent this from happening again.  I am certain there are many other
readers of your column that could use this information as well.

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ANSWER:  Your problems were not unique, for it is estimated that of the more
than 12 million people with diabetes in this country, more than 25 percent
will develop some type of severe foot or leg problem during their lifetime.
In fact the seriousness of the situation can be shown by the fact that about
two thirds of all the amputations, not resulting from accident or trauma,
befall diabetics, resulting in about 40,000 amputations yearly.  About 20
percent of all hospitalizations for those suffering from diabetes are due to
foot infections, resulting in more hospital days than for any other
complication of the disease.  So it makes good sense to spend a bit of time in
foot care to prevent these terrible problems.  A few tips are just plain
common sense.  Don't walk about without slippers or shoes on for a barefoot
is one that is easily injured by anything lying in your path.  Don't cut off
precious circulation to the feet by wearing tight shoes, or garters.  And
don't cross your legs while sitting for that too can reduce blood flow.
While bathing feet daily in warm (not hot) water is a fine idea for
cleanliness sake, soaking feet for long periods of time (unless upon doctor's
advice) is a bad idea, that can be made worse if the feet are not carefully
dried after each bath.  Make sure toenails are trimmed neatly, but don't take
a chance of cutting yourself by trimming your own corns or calluses.  Change
socks daily, wear clean cotton or wool socks that you have checked carefully
for the presence of any holes.  Holes, even darned ones, create rough edges
that can lead to irritation and then infection, so it is best to discard any
that have seen better days.  And as if I haven't said this before, do not
smoke, as smoking reduces the circulation of blood to your feet.  A little
time in checking your feet each day, reporting any changes to your doctor, is
time well spent in preventing the serious infections that can occur.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
