Foot
Facts
Did you know that:
- Each foot contains 26 bones
- More than 20 muscles control the function of the foot.
- There are more than 33 joints in the foot.
- More than 100 ligaments hold the foot together.
- The average person walks about 80,000 to 115,000 miles in a lifetime or 8,000 steps
daily.
- The average foot absorbs 4-5 pounds per square inch of force per step.
- More than half of the approximately 125,000 lower extremity amputations are due to the
complications of diabetes. 50-70 % of these amputations can be prevented by proper
podiatric care.
- Athlete's foot is not funny - these fungus conditions can lead to serious secondary
bacterial infections, a limb threatening hazard in diabetes and those with circulatory
problems.
Highest Risk Groups for Foot Problems
- Financially disadvantaged
- Elderly
- Women: 4 to 1 when compared to men
- Persons with diabetes
- Persons with poor circulation
Common Causes of Foot Problems
- Heredity
- Injury (acute and chronic)
- Improper care (e.g. ill fitting shoes, "bathroom surgery", poor hygiene).
- Arthritis of various sorts (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Circulatory problems
- Biomechanical (improper function of the foot can cause many aches, pains or deformities)
- Smoking (e.g. effect on circulation).
- Systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes)
Frequent Problems Affecting the Foot of
Diabetics
- Pain
- Numbness (lack of sensitivity to pain, heat, cold)
- Tingling
- Coldness
- Swelling
- Dry or excessively moist skin
- Infection, ulcer, gangrene, amputation
Prophylactic Foot Care is Especially Important
- You should inspect and feel your feet daily for cracks, fissures,
calluses, corns and ulcers
- Feet should be washed daily in lukewarm water using mild
soap. They should be dried gently and thoroughly, especially between and under the
toes.
- A lubricant such as lanolin, should be used for dry, scaly
skin.
- Bland, non-medicated foot powders should be used for moist
feet. CAUTION: Make sure the powder does not contain any corn starch, or any other
starch. Starch can cause infections.
- Toenails should be cut straight across, not too close to the
skin. You should see your Podiatrist if your eye sight is poor, your hands shake or
you cannot reach your feet.
- Calluses and corns should be treated by a Podiatrist.
- Adhesive plasters and tape should not be used on skin.
- Harsh chemicals or corn removers should not be used
- You should change stockings daily and avoid constricting garters.
- Loose wool stockings can keep feet warm in cold weather, but hot
water bottles or electric pads must not be used.
- Shoes should fit well; they should be wide-toed without open heels
or toes and should be changed frequently.
- Consult your Podiatrist for special shoes if you have a foot
deformity (e.g. previous toe amputation, hammertoe, bunion) in order to reduce trauma.
- Walking barefoot should always be avoided.
- A well fitting shoe should not require a long and painful breaking
in period. Carefully break in new shoes to avoid blisters (minor breaking-in only).
- Inspect the inside of shoes for foreign objects and torn linings.
- Don't smoke. Smoking reduces blood circulation. In
diabetics this can lead to loss of a limb.
