According to Dr. Onosode who is board qualified by Foot and Ankle Surgery Board of America, there are many foot and ankle related issues which diabetes patients can have as the flow of blood is hampered to the lower limbs (legs) when suffering from diabetes. This foot and ankle problem can be very severe sometimes. Let’s talk about it in detail:
Common foot problems in diabetics:
In diabetes, it is quite common to develop any unhealthy bacteria that can harm your foot. Basically this happens because of digital contractures and hallus abducto valgus deformities. We simply call it hammertoe deformities or bunions. Diabetics have discomfort while walking in this problem. Actually this causes irritation. It could be possibility that this irritation may lead to bony or soft tissue enlargement in the forefoot.
Difference between foot and ankle problems in Type 1 and Type Diabetes:
Dr. Onosode says that foot and ankle problems are more common in the patients with Type 2 diabetes. We have to understand that Type 1 diabetes has its onset in early age, while Type 2 diabetes can affect adulthood. This is the reason that the weight in Type 2 patients can be a problem. So, by the time these patients seek any medical treatment, it is very late to help them with any ulcer or gout. But definitely we can treat them, but then it does not show a very quick recovery due to age factor.
Foot problem in common people vs Diabetics:
Of course, there is no comparison between a fit person and a person with diabetes. We already know that there is interrupted flow of blood in the body because of high blood sugar. So, it completely depends on the behavior of the patient. Some diabetes patients do not let their diabetes go out of control. So, it never creates any problem in real. See precautions are there, they are sought to help the people. If diabetics follow them they can lead the same life as any normal human being having a few limitations and precautions in mind.
The best we can suggest is that cleaning of feet should be very regular. We cannot be lazy at all. We have to dry our feet properly after washing. Any skin related issue should be noticed as quickly as possible. Don’t leave the feet damp. Use good foot cream. Don’t under or over moisturize them. That’s all.
Contributors of foot and ankle related issue in diabetics:
Well, it is not always age. Actually, if you have right diet, you don’t need to worry about age. There are people who are very cautious about their health. They follow an apt lifestyle. Exercise plays an important role in their good health. Diabetes is sometimes because of family history. Sometimes one has to suffer it because of genes, so you can control it easily. It is jut you need to increase awareness about it.
Professional life and foot/ankle problem in diabetes:
Yes, professional life can be the reason. Sometimes it becomes tough to maintain you blood sugar because your work does not permit. Either you have a lot of stress in your work or your work needs you to be inactive physically for long hours. Diabetics patients should not stand for too long because shoe and ankle related problem can encounter because of this reason also.
On top of this, if they are into a work wherein they need to stand for long, then they have to be particular about the selection of their shoes. The wrong shoe choice can definitely damage the foot and ankle health in diabetic patients.
Common foot and ankle complications in diabetics:
According to Dr. Onosode, mostly there are multifactorial problems among diabetics. The most common complication related to foot and ankle could be peripheral neuropathy. I have already talked about foot and ankle deformities because of too much pressure on them or may be because of wrong choice of shoes.
Peripheral neuropathy is even more dangerous because this stops any feeling in feet, so this makes it very difficult to detect any foot or ankle related issues as person is not able to explain anything. I find it more risk causing.
Conclusion:
In the above article we talked about what Dr. Onosode says, who is an expert in foot and ankle related injuries. We just would like to convey the message to you all that diabetes is a disease which should be taken for granted. It can have many adverse effects if it is extended to a more harmful stage. Please have a good diet. Do exercise regularly. Take advice of your doctor in any stage of dilemma. Stay tuned for more updates.