Have you signed on to the new Diabetes Charter for Canada yet? The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) released the charter on World Health Day to empower people with diabetes and those who care for them, as well as to provide standards of care so people across the country have access to the same support. At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we know that even something seemingly small like ingrown toenails and diabetes can be a tricky combination. We are here to provide excellent foot care for anyone suffering from this serious disease.
Why would ingrown toenails be a problem? Any injury to the toe can open it up to infection, and infections are especially pesky for those with diabetes. That’s because the disease affects your circulation and the nerves in your legs and feet.
Neuropathy, a side effect of diabetes, is damage to your nerves, which keeps your lower limbs from functioning as they should. It can cause tingling and burning pain in your legs and feet. It can also mean your nerves can’t transmit signals to your brain properly. You may not feel the pain of an ingrown toenail. It could develop to the point where the nail pierces your skin and exposes it to infection.
That’s when poor circulation caused by diabetes compounds the problem. Without good blood flow, your feet can’t fight off infection as well. You may end up with a severe infection in your toe, which could become gangrenous and require amputation to save your foot—or your life.
If you have ingrown toenails and diabetes, don’t let them develop into a serious issue. At the first sign of sores on your feet, come to Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic for care. Chiropodist Tony Abbott is an expert in caring for diabetic feet and will get your toes in great shape again. Call our office in Collingwood, ON, at (705) 444-9929. We stand with you in your fight against diabetes!
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