Diabetes and Foot Problems

Diabetic patients are particularly at risk for significant foot problems that can lead to the loss of their feet or legs. The most common cause of hospitalization for the diabetic patient is foot infections. Foot related problems for the diabetic patient are responsible for significant time off work. Foot ulcerations can take weeks or months to heal.
There are two conditions that are associated with diabetes that put the patient at risk. The first is called neuropathy, which is a nerve condition that frequently affects the feet. There is a gradual loss in the patient's ability to perceive the protective sensations. The protective sensations are the ability to feel pain, to feel the difference between hot and cold, sharp and dull, vibration, and excessive pressure. This loss of sensation can become quite profound. Patients can step on sharp objects or cut themselves and not feel pain. They may burn themselves with scalding water and not be aware of it, and they can develop pressure sores and infections and experience little or no pain.

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Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a term used to describe a crooked, deviated, or contracted toe. Contrary to popular belief, hammertoes are usually not caused by ill or tight fitting shoe gear but by an imbalance in the way the bones of the foot are aligned. Over a period of years, the tendons that move the toe up and down begin to pull the toe with unequal tension, and the toe then begins to buckle or become contracted. Normally hammertoes by themselves are not painful, but with shoe gear the prominent knuckle of the toe rubs the shoe, producing an area of irritation which eventually forms a corn.




Conservative care may include padding, wider shoes, thicker socks, or orthotics to try to correct the underlying imbalance. If the problem cannot be managed and produces continual pain, then surgical correction is recommended.If you suspect you have this condition and would like to learn more about it or you are ready to schedule a consultation please visit us at www.chicagopodiatry.com

Bunions

A bunion is a deviation of the long bone behind the big toe producing a bump on the side of the foot. Bunions can occur on one or both feet. They tend to be hereditary but can occur without a family history. They are not caused by shoes but are often aggravated by shoe gear. Abnormal movement of the joints just below the ankle joint causes the deformity. This results in the front portion of the foot splaying or widening. As a result the big toe starts to drift toward the second toe and the long bone behind the big toe starts to drift outward.



This deformity gradually gets worse with time, making it more painful and difficult to wear shoes. Because the bunion deformity is progressive, it should be evaluated early. Treatment options range from a recommendation on shoes, and possibly inserts for shoes called orthotics, which are used to control the cause of the bunion and halt its progression. In many instances surgery is recommended.

If you suspect this condition and would like to learn more about it or are ready to schedule an appointment, please visit us at www.chicagopodiatry.com