The fall season is a time that many hunters have anticipated all year and camouflage gear is top on the list. Blending in with your surroundings is essential in setting up a successful hunting outing—you need the advantage if you want to stealthily move in on your prey. Did you know, though, that you may have dangerous foreign objects lurking and blending in right in your very own home? If you have diabetes, walking barefoot, even in the winter and indoors, exposes your feet to injury.
You may be asking, “So, you are telling me I shouldn’t even walk barefoot in my own house?” For the average person, it is generally safe if you keep a home that is clean and free of clutter. If you have a condition such as diabetes, though, we want you to pay attention here. Nerve damage as a result of neuropathy, is a common condition that accompanies diabetes. If you have nerve damage in your feet, you cannot afford to walk barefoot in or outside of your home. A puncture wound is different than a cut in that it is a small hole in your skin. While it isn’t an open wound, it can be deep and hide a serious injury underneath. Depending on what the foreign object is, it could leave pieces embedded in your skin or leave bacteria behind, increasing your risk for infection. With diabetes, a small puncture wound could very easily turn into an ulcer with serious consequences.
The best way to avoid this is to wear protection on your feet at all times. If you like to wear house slippers, make sure they have a thick sole to protect the bottoms of your feet. Never go outside without shoes—even five steps on your driveway to grab the newspaper. There could be a sharp rock or piece of broken glass and nerve damage could prevent you from even feeling the puncture in the first place—this is a dangerous situation when the injury is unknown and is left untreated.
If you suspect you may have stepped on something sharp or have a puncture wound, stay on the safe side and let us check it out. We’ll make sure it is treated properly and help you toward a safe and effective recovery. Don’t wait! Contact Dr. Kevin Powers in Bloomington, IN at (812) 333-4422 for an appointment today.
