Top 5 Foot Problems with Diabetes

Do you know?o Diabetic foot problems are responsible for

nearly 50% of all diabetes-related hospital bed-days.

o 10-15% of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers at some stages in their lives.

The majority of patients begin their diabetic lives with normal feet, although some patients with type 2 diabetes will have foot complications at diagnosis, because they’ve been diabetic for many years without knowing it. Here are few foot problems caused by diabetes, have a look.

Neuropathyo There are three types of neuropathy: motor neuropathy, autonomic

neuropathy and sensory neuropathy. o Motor neuropathy- Loss of neural supply to the intrinsic muscles of the footo Autonomic - Skin cracking & infection, and o Sensory neuropathy – Loss of pain sensation.

Peripheral Arterial Diseaseo Reduced blood supply and exacerbates

the changes bought by neuropathy.

o Also results in hypoxia and reduces healing power causing infection.

o Persistent hyperglycemia results in endothelial cell dysfunction and smooth cell abnormalities in peripheral arteries.

Infectiono The damage resulting from neuropathy,

ischemia, trauma, or all three predispose to infection.

o Infection may be bacterial (in association with ulcers) or fungal (especially of toe nails).

High Plantar Pressureo Repetitive pressure, shear from walking and

weight bearing, or inappropriate footwear leads to high plantar pressure.

o Also, causes callus formation and skin breakdown.

Want to avoid all the above foot problems? Visit Essex Union Podiatry who listen and understand your concerns to provide you the best treatment options.

To know more, call: 973-376-8210 Or, log on to http://www.essexunionpodiatry.com/