The Diabetic Foot

Diabetes remains the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States.  The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) statitics from 2010 documented 73,000 non-traumatic amputations in adults 20 years or older. One diabetes related primary lower extremity amputation occurs every 30 seconds worldwide. This results in over 2,500 limbs lost per day. 

  The first line of defense are yearly diabetic foot screenings with your health care provider or podiatrist.  This is important to detect diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and foot deformities to prevent foot ulceration, infection and amputation  Yet, only 46 percent of patients with diabetes reported having foot screenings by their primary care physician in 2012 .

   The second line of defense is patient education.  If possible, family members should be educated as well.  Diabetics should be encouraged to clean their feet and perform foot inspections daily.  Any concerns should be reported to their doctor immediately. Any delay in treatment can result in a lower extremity amputation.     
" I encourage my diabetic patients to use Dr. ROM's (TM) Foot Wipes to CLEAN and INSPECT their feet daily.  PREVENTION is important to reduce foot infections and amputations.  After 20 year of expererience, I have performed 1,000's of diabetic foot amputations.  It is my opinion, many of these amputations could have been prevented by earlier detection and prevention.  I also use Dr. ROM's (TM) Foot Wipes with diabetic foot wound care and after foot surgery around the incision, wound or ulcer to keep the foot clean and supple "  Raul Maldonado , DPM  Podiatric Physician & Surgeon

​Diabetic Foot Care Recommendations

CLEAN

  • Wash feet daily with Diabetic Defense Daily Therapy Foot Wash. If unable to reach your feet, use an extended Foot Cleaning Brush.  After washing, dry feet thoroughly including between your toes. Then,  apply Diabetic Defense Daily Therapy Foot Moisturizer only to the tops and bottoms of the feet.  Don’t apply lotion between the toes, since this can create a moist environment that favors fungal growth. Use Dr. ROM's (TM) Foot Wipes in between showering. ​  If you see any sign of athlete’s foot/fungal infection, use a separate towel or tissue so the fungus does not spread to other areas of the body. 
  • Check inside shoes daily for sharp points, sharp edges, seams or other rough areas or foreign objects that may lead to cuts, wounds or abrasions.  Use Clean Sweep® daily for a safe, all natural, way to kill bacteria and neutralize causes of shoe odor.

​INSPECT Feet For : 
  • Bumps, lumps, blisters or bruises
  • Cuts, sores, or cracked skin. Even the thinnest crack can become infected.
  • Patches of thin or shiny skin (which can signal lack of blood flow) or areas of redness (especially red streaks, which can signal the presence of infection).
  • Temperature differences (one part warm, another cold).
  • Pain, tingling, numbness or no feeling at all.
  • Ingrown toenails 
  • Loss of hair on foot or leg, which can signal reduced blood flow.
PREVENT​
DO's : 
  • Have new shoes properly measured and fitted. Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.
  • Wear padded socks, without or with low-profile seams, made of acrylic or acrylic blends to protect feet and keep moisture away.
  • Walk as much as possible; doing so enhances circulation to the feet and helps with weight and blood sugar control.
  • See a podiatrist or other foot health professional regularly—and immediately if you notice any signs of infection.​
​DON'T's : 
  • Do not attempt to cut toenails if you have neuropathy or other foot problems related to diabetes. See a podiatrist for toenail care and foot examinations. Never attempt to cut or file calluses or other protrusions on your feet.
  • Never use wart removers or other harsh chemicals on the feet.
  • Never walk or move around barefoot, even inside the house.​
For more information, go to www.drroms.com
Picture
Diabetic foot before (L) and after using Dr. ROM's (TM) Foot Wipes (R) for 5 weeks during wound care for foot ulcer.
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