Avoid Risks of Summer Heat to Diabetic Feet
Tips for Diabetes Patients to Prevent Disease Complications

July 7, 2010  – As public health officials nationwide take precautions to help senior citizens endure the sizzling summer weather, another group vulnerable to heat related health problems is the diabetic population. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons urges diabetes patients to be aware that prolonged hot and humid weather can lead to myriad foot woes, even third-degree burns, if they don’t protect their feet carefully.

“Our concerns for diabetes patients in extreme heat involve swelling, dryness and cracking from wearing sandals, and problems associated with walking barefoot, such as puncture wounds and burns and blisters from hot pavement,” said StoneCrest Medical Center podiatrist, Matthew Neuhaus, DPM, FACFAS.  

Dr. Neuhaus said “just a few minutes walking barefoot on a hot driveway or sidewalk to fetch the newspaper can badly burn the soles of a diabetic patient’s feet due to impaired nerve sensation from the disease.” “Most diabetes patients know they shouldn’t walk barefoot, but sometimes think there’s no harm if it’s just for a few minutes.”

Any type of skin break on a diabetic foot has the potential to get infected and ulcerate if it isn’t noticed right away. Therefore, wearing sandals all the time in the summer poses problems if you have diabetes.  “Feet constantly exposed in flip-flops or strap sandals lose moisturizing oils, causing dry, rough skin prone to cracking.  Dr Neuhaus advises patients who like to wear sandals a lot to inspect their feet very carefully everyday and wear regular shoes a few days a week to limit exposure.

Some diabetes patients experience foot swelling in hot weather, which makes their shoes fit tighter and may exert blister-causing pressure on the toes and heels. “Like it or not, diabetes patients whose feet get swollen in hot weather should wear support stockings,” said Dr. Neuhaus.

Compression is the best way to reduce swelling and avoid complications such as poor circulation and further impaired nerve function.  Dr. Neuhaus admitted his patients aren’t happy about having to wear thick compression hosiery in the summer, but realize the importance of keeping foot swelling in check for avoiding more serious complications. Vigilant foot care is a year-round responsibility for diabetes patients, but the temptations of summer can test even the most conscientious patient’s resolve.

Nothing is more natural than bare feet and sandals in the summer.  “Unfortunately, there’s no off-season for diabetes, so our patients always must be very careful with their feet to avoid skin breaks and subsequent infections and ulcerations that result from this disease,” Neuhaus stated.  

For further information about diabetic foot care and other conditions, call TriStar MedLine at 615-342-1919 or visit TriStarHealth.com and click on StoneCrest Medical Center.

About StoneCrest Medical Center
StoneCrest Medical Center, part of the TriStar Health System, is an Accredited Chest Pain and Accredited Cancer Center that offers a full array of acute care services including emergency care, general surgery, cardiology, obstetrics, intensive care, physical medicine, outpatient diagnostic services, and cancer care. Situated on 43 acres at the intersection of Interstate 24 and Sam Ridley Parkway, StoneCrest Medical Center offers 101 total beds. Additionally, the 160,000 square foot physician's building is adjacent to the medical center, providing convenient access from physician offices to the hospital.