Sevierville Diabetes Awareness Program to Focus on Feet

“Foot Care for Diabetics” will be the theme of the Diabetes Awareness Program this Monday, Oct. 13, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the King Family Public Library in Sevierville. Dr. Joseph Florence with Quillen College of Medicine will share various tips on caring for your foot and preventing complications. This workshop is free and open to the public.

People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications.

Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, so you can injure it and not know it until it becomes infected. This nerve damage can also lead to changes in the shape of your foot and toes. Circulation is also often affected too, which reduces your foot’s ability to fight infections.

Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot. At times your foot may become very dry. The skin may peel and crack. The problem is that the nerves that control the oil and moisture in your foot no longer work.

Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Too much callus may mean that you will need therapeutic shoes and inserts. Foot ulcers may also occur.

Foot complications can occur from poor diabetes management. Therefore it is helpful to know how to care for your feet, especially with diabetes.

Start by making plans now to attend the “Foot Care for Diabetics” program scheduled this coming Monday at the King Family Library, 408 High Street in Sevierville. For more information contact Linda Hyder, UT Extension at 453-3695.

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