Let’s talk about feet
or, more importantly, the problems diabetics may have with their feet and legs.
Hubby has had problems with neuropathy for several years - he has little to no feeling below his knees - and NO feeling in his feet.
So he must be very careful to watch for wounds. He doesn’t feel it if I or one of the grandbabies step on his toes - he doesn’t feel it if he stubs his toes - or drops something onto his feet - or . . . well, you get the picture. This has caused trouble in the past.
You can read about some of the symptoms and problems diabetics have with their feet at the American Diabetes Association website
Accordint to the site - One of the biggest threats to your feet is smoking. Smoking affects small blood vessels. It can cause decreased blood flow to the feet and make wounds heal slowly. A lot of people with diabetes who need amputations are smokers.
It’s a blessing that hubby quit smoking nearly 16 years ago. (that in itself was a wonder - he had smoked since he was 6 years old - yes, you read that right - and was 42 when he quit finally. But, at least he doesn’t have that working against him now. That’s not to say, of course, that there are no residual effects from all those years of smoking.
Follow your doctor’s orders about keeping your feel clean and dry. Do NOT cut calluses off - use a pumice stone and a good diabetic cream to soften the skin on your feet if your doctor prescribes that method. (see a podiatrist if the calluses are bleeding and need to be taken off immediately)
Check every night for signs of bleeding or seepage from your feet.
Above all - follow your physician’s care orders.
Take care, everyon.
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