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Pierced foot - monitor or seek help?

Bufger

Active Member
Messages
36
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi,

Type 2 insulin dependant diagnosed last Christmas . No history of neuropathy and I think my circulation is pretty good.

I've just stood on my wife's earing and it embedded into the soft arch of my foot in the centre. I've cleaned the wound with an alcohol wipe and put a plaster on. Should I just keep an eye on it or inform my diabetic nurse also? I'll mention it at my next appointment but wasn't sure whether this is the kind of thing you guys would still have seen.

Thanks for reading. Sorry if it's a stupid question..
 
Not a stupid question at all, you are right to feel concerned. You did a good thing to clean the wound and cover it, keep a watch on it check it in the morning, look for any change, redness and soreness swelling and change the dressing. I trod on a pin the day before seeing podiatry and she did exactly what you have done and just said to report to nurse if it didn't heal
 
If it does start to look dodgy I suggest self-referring to podiatry ckunic and asking them to triage.

I'm wondering why anyone is getting those kind of injuries, my GP told me not to walk barefoot and consultant reiterated and said that went for in the home too, especially if you have pets as it's easy to get a hair under the skin and get an infection.
 
I agree, I wear slippers around the house because my feet are always cold. It has an added bonus of protecting my feet

But I guess we are still at risk when we get out of the shower so accidents will always happen.
 

This was in my bedroom, probably the only place I don't wear footwear other than the bathroom

It's why I was so shocked. For years before diabetes I went barefoot in the house, garden and anywhere I could without a single puncture! The irony

Good advice from everyone, thanks.
 

I used to go barefoot a lot before diagnosis and had hard feet. I could run up a shingle beach ! I only ever had three punctures, two out of three as a kid.

I sometimes wonder whether the foot advice should be more individual as I get dry skin between my toes, yet we're not supposed to moisturize. I do, but wipe it off after a bit.

When it comes to bare feet, mine are soft now so I feel vulnerable to punctures. I wear Crocs around the house and garden. They might be useful to you.
 
Celeriac said:
I sometimes wonder whether the foot advice should be more individual as I get dry skin between my toes, yet we're not supposed to moisturize. I do, but wipe it off after a bit.
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Hummm. Advice varies. I was told by the NHS Podiatrist to use CCS cream as I get very dry feet.
 

Dr Richard Bernstein recommends olive oil for diabetics to use on their feet and other areas of dry skin. What's the reason for not being allowed moisturiser?
 
I have no idea why they say it, but it's in NHS leaflets and practice nurses have come out with it. Thanks for the suggestions xx I've been using coconut oil and olive oil. I don't understand why water matters ?
 
Hi, I think, just keep an eye on it, keep it clean and watch for any changes, redness, warm to the touch or very painful. Some people, even non diabetic, can be more prone to getting infections.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
Dr Richard Bernstein recommends olive oil for diabetics to use on their feet and other areas of dry skin. What's the reason for not being allowed moisturiser?
Click to expand...

I walk around barefoot a lot, or at best in just sandals.
No socks.
Sometimes trainers.
I never moisturise my feet, unless I've burnt them.

But I understood the general advice was you could moisturise, but avoid between the toes, as it can encourage athletes foot in those areas.
But you only need to moisturise if you already have dry feet, reduced sweating, reduced circulation etc.
I didn't think moisturising in itself was any benefit if you didn't need to.

Fortunately for me, my feet are fine, I have had the odd few punctures from stones and sea shells and similar things, rubbed skin occasionally if I walk too far with sand or grit in the wrong place, in the wrong shoes.(Lazyness, I tend to ignore it, rather than tip it out)
For now I just keep an eye on my feet overall, most of the problems, not healing, cracking, drying out etc, comes from poor circulation not aiding healing, or lack of awareness of damage in the first place.
 
Most creams recommended for use by diabetics state on the label 'do not use between toes' never understood why but obviously if they contain water that's the problem as water causes athletes foot, I suffer with dry skin on my feet and just use E45
 
I was advised that in the event of any foot injury to go to the local diabetes podiatry unit, or A&E - NOT to wait to see what develops. Feet are VERY important.
 
IanD said:
I was advised that in the event of any foot injury to go to the local diabetes podiatry unit, or A&E - NOT to wait to see what develops. Feet are VERY important.
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I won't go to A&E as it's not an emergency. At most I'd ring NHS direct and book in with my podiatry unit or get one of them on the phone.

1 day on and there isn't any pain. Bought a new pair of slippers today with extra thick souls!

Thanks for the comments everyone
 
I've had 3 different minor injuries to feet in last 5 years and all ended up infected, hospitalized with one for a week and they all took months to heal. Be careful as infections can take hold very quickly
 
It's not an emergency now, but I think what the poster was getting at is that a foot injury may be at risk of becoming an emergency. I would be looking for any signs of redness or swelling and as you say, contacting someone by phone at the least.

The slippers sound good! Well done.
 

It's not an emergency and as you say, there is no need to go to A& E.
 
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