In 2005 3400 people with diabetes had lower limb amputations in Australia. (http://www.australiandiabetescouncil.com/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts) Approximately 90% of diabetic lower limb amputations are preceded by a wound to the foot or leg. If you have diabetes it is important that you check your feet every single day. You should be looking for:
- Any cuts or abrasions
- Any blisters
- Any maceration between your toes – (wet white skin)
- Any evidence of fungal infection – itchiness, redness, small blisters, burning sensation etc
- Any new corns or callus areas
- Any splits in your skin
- In fact any new lesion at all
If you see any of the above make sure you clean the area & use an antiseptic such as Betadine & put a dry dressing on the area. Check the area every couple of hours for 24-48 hours to make sure it does not get worse.
If you find any of the points below get straight in to your Doctor. If your Doctor has no appointments then try your podiatrist or head to the hospital straight away.
- Any evidence of infection – heat, redness, swelling, pus
- Any changes in colour – has one foot or part of your foot turned a funny blue colour, white colour, dark red colour, black etc
- Any changes in temperature – is one foot normal & the other really cold or is one foot normal & the other really hot?
By checking your feet every single day & acting promptly you could save your foot or leg from amputation. Don’t become a statistic