Midlands Cares: The diabetic impact on your feet

Tyler Ryan learns about how diabetes can impact your lower extremities and feet

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – A diagnosis of diabetes has impacts all in many walks of life, including the way you walk.  This often happens through diabetic neuropathy. Director of MUSC’s advanced Wound Center Dr. Jerod Lunsford,  explains that the affliction can impact the ability to feel that you have an injury, so that when there is a wound of some sort, you may not know it until it has a large impact.  The impacts can include ulcerations that can lead to bone infections and even eventually amputations.

“You can get things like claw toes and hammer toes,” the Doctor explains, “you can also get what’s called a charcot deformity, where you foot flattens out.”  This can lead to injuries when while walking on a flat floor without shoes.  Another impact can be from shoes that don’t fit correctly.

The doctor says if you have diabetes, there is a need for regular exams of the extremities, including your feet, specifically looking for signs of neuropathy.  If it is determined that you are a candidate, you should examine your feet every day to make sure there is no sign of callus formation, blistering, or any new wounds.

Doctor Lunsford warns that if you get to the neuropathic stage, things like walking barefoot, even in your own home should be avoided.

Should you develop the affliction, there are certain vitamins, medications, and even exercise that can help reverse the impacts and problems that can come from it.

You can learn more about how diabetes can impact your feet, or to connect with Doctor Lunsford, you can reach out HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tyler Ryan is an award winning television and radio personality, weather forecaster, writer, investigative journalist, and professional emcee.  He appears daily on ABC Columbia’s Good Morning Columbia, as well as hosting the syndicated radio program Carolina Cares on the South Carolina Radio Network, and the iHeart Radio Network.  Tyler also regularly appears as a criminal expert and journalist on regional and national crime based programs like Snapped and Killer Couples.  You can contact him directly via EMAIL Or on the socials: Tyler’s Instagram  // Tyler’s Facebook