Can You Lose a Limb from Diabetes? The Truth About Amputation Risk & Your Ultimate Foot Care Guide

Quick Takeaways: Save Your Soles

• Daily Inspection:Check your feet every evening for cuts, redness, or blisters.

• Never Go Barefoot:Not even at home. One small cut can lead to a major infection.

• Shoe Fit Matters:Tight shoes cause blisters. We fitDiabetic Shoesright here at the pharmacy.

• Dry Skin is an Enemy:Cracked heels can let bacteria in. Moisturize daily (but not between the toes!).

Introduction: The Small Cut That Changes Everything

It sounds like a horror story, but it’s a medical reality: A small pebble in a shoe causes a blister. Because ofneuropathy(nerve damage), the patient doesn't feel it. The blister gets infected. Because of poor circulation, it doesn't heal. Weeks later, it leads to an amputation.

In Brooklyn, we want to stop this cycle. Amputation is highly preventable if you treat your feet like the most important part of your body.

Do You Have "Diabetic Foot"? (The Symptoms)

Nerve damage starts slowly. Do you feel:

• Tingling ("Pins and Needles")in your toes?

• Burning pain, especially at night?

• Numbness(your feet feel like blocks of wood)?

• If yes, your risk of injury is high because you lose your "pain alarm system."

Your 5-Step Daily Foot Care Ritual

Make this a habit, just like brushing your teeth.

1. Look:Inspect tops, bottoms, and between toes. Use a mirror if you can't reach.

2. Wash:Use warm (not hot!) water. Test the water with your elbow first—your feet might not feel the heat.

3. Dry:Pat dry thoroughly, especiallybetweenthe toes to prevent fungus (Athlete's Foot).

4. Moisturize:Apply lotion to heels and soles to prevent cracking.Neverput lotion between toes.

5. Protect:Wear clean, dry socks and shoes that fit well.

Get Fitted for Diabetic Shoes at Broadway Care

Regular sneakers can squeeze your toes and cause ulcers.

• What we offer:At1538 Pitkin Ave, we provide therapeutic diabetic shoes (often covered by Medicare/Medicaid).

• Why they help:They have extra depth (room for toes) and special inserts that reduce pressure points.

Don't ignore foot pain.If you see a sore that won't heal, call your doctor immediately. For shoes, socks, and wound care supplies, come see us.

Broadway Care Pharmacy – Your Partners in Prevention.📞 (718) 495-1122 📍 1538 Pitkin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212