Monday, January 14, 2013
Cold weather can cause problems with feet
For people with diabetes, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet.
Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, and the cold weather compounds this problem. The dry weather from being inside also makes the skin more susceptible to drying and cracking. Also, diabetics have decreased sensation to the lower extremities which makes for a decreased awareness of issues which may be of concern with their feet.
Fortunately, there are steps that diabetics can take during the winter to minimize foot problems.
Many people use heating pads and warming blankets. Because of the decreased sensation or
neuropathy of diabetes, these devices can cause significant foot injuries and
should be avoided. If they are
used, the temperature of the devices should be checked with the elbow as the
sensation is not decreased as it is in the fingers and toes.
Here are some cold weather tips that will help diabetics and
just about anyone:
• Check winter shoes for proper fit to avoid tightness and
resulting injuries.
• Wear clean, dry
socks made of a natural fiber such as cotton to reduce irritation.
• Use moisturizing lotion on feet to increase comfort and help
exfoliate rough skin and avoid skin cracking, which may result in
ulceration.
• Pat your feet dry, don’t rub after bathing or showering.
• As with any
time of year, diabetics need to exercise great caution when trimming nails to
avoid trimming them too short. If
you must clip, work on toes that have been soaked in warm water for a few
minutes. Hard dry nails can split
and lead to problems.
• Routine exercise can be difficult during the winter months,
but it is important for diabetics because it will increase circulation. Lack of
exercise and activity can cause havoc with blood glucose levels, and extra
weight is not good on your feet. It is also important for diabetics to avoid
going barefoot in the house and to obtain a good fitting pair of slippers.
• Diabetics should check their feet daily, especially after
being outside and exposed to the cold, paying particular attention to any
changes in color and shape, cuts, swelling and infected toenails. In the event that a sore develops that
doesn't heal in a couple of days, or you have tingling in your feet that
doesn't stop or have no feeling in your feet, call your doctor for an
appointment. These things can be
problems with diabetics and ignoring them can lead to greater
problems.
Dr. Mark Tramontozzi is a member of the Medical Director of the Backus Health System Wound Care Center. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy
Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Tramontozzi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 3:11 PM 
