According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 29 million people in the U.S. who are living with diabetes. That means almost 1 out of every 10 people have this disease. At Foot Specialists of Long Island, we want to make sure you are healthy and safe. This means understanding the importance of diabetic foot care and knowing what steps you can take to prevent Charcot foot and other serious complications from arising.
There are two main contributors to Charcot foot—neuropathy and poor circulation—both of which are associated with diabetes. When the bones in your feet do not receive the nourishment they need on account of weakened blood flow, they can become brittle and more prone to damage. Impaired nerves do not fire appropriate signals to the brain to alert it when something is wrong.
This all means that it is quite easy to sustain damage to weakened bones and then continue placing force upon the affected area—since you are unaware of the injury—which then leads to greater damage. The cycle will then repeat itself until your foot becomes so misshapen that it is impossible not to notice your Charcot foot.
Your best bet for preventing the condition from reaching a severe point is to stay aware and identify early signs and symptoms. These include:
- Swelling, especially when there is no obvious injury to the foot.
- Redness can be observed in early stages.
- Weakness and loss of muscle.
With regard to prevention of Charcot foot, you will benefit from a lifelong program consisting of proper foot care, protective footwear, and patient education. The more you know about this condition, the better equipped you will be to take proactive measures against it.
Charcot foot is a serious medical condition, but it is not the only risk that can develop on account of the neuropathy and impaired circulation that often accompany diabetes. To keep your feet and your whole body safe, make sure you follow your diabetic foot care plan. Don’t have one? Make an appointment with Foot Specialists of Long Island today and our caring experts will assist you in creating a plan for your optimal foot health. Schedule your visit online or by calling us at (516) 804-9038.