Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic foot care is necessary for individuals living with diabetes. Taking extra care of your feet is very important, as complications with the feet can lead to more problems. There are diabetes-related foot complications and risks patients should be aware of that underscore the importance of regular foot examinations. Remember, diabetic foot care is an ongoing process. But with the right treatment modality, you’ll stay a step ahead of the game.
Diabetic foot care is the practice of taking special care of the feet of individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes can cause a variety of foot problems, including nerve damage, poor circulation, and infection. Diabetes-related foot problems can range from minor to serious. The most common problems include: skin infections, ulcers and Charcot foot. These can lead to further complications if not taken care of properly. This is why it’s important to understand the risks of diabetes-related foot complications, so you can be proactive about your health.
Complications
Diabetes can lead to a variety of foot problems, including the most common ones: nerve damage, poor circulation and infection. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet, while poor circulation can lead to decreased blood flow, which can limit the healing process. Infection can lead to ulcers, which can then become infected and even lead to amputation if not taken care of properly.
In addition to these risks, diabetes can also cause other complications. For example, diabetic neuropathy can lead to changes in the shape of the feet and toes and can even cause deformities. Poor circulation caused by diabetes can slow the healing process and make it difficult to treat wounds, while the high blood sugar levels associated with this disease can also cause skin problems such as dry or cracked skin.
Regular Foot Exams Importance
Regular foot exams are crucial for individuals living with diabetes. These examinations can help to find any problems early, before they become major. Through a foot exam, a podiatrist will check for any signs of infection, ulcers, or any other problems. They will even check the feet for any changes in the size or shape, and also the toenails for any signs of damage. It is main to follow any recommendations made by the podiatrist, as foot problems can take to further complications if not taken care of properly.
Essential Diabetic Foot Care Tips
There are several essential tips for diabetic foot care that can help protect the feet. Here are the most important ones:
- Monitor Your Feet Daily : Patients should inspect their feet daily for any signs of injury or infection. Any changes in the color, shape or size of the feet should be reported to your podiatrist.
- Wear Proper Footwear : The first tip for diabetic foot care is to wear the proper footwear. Shoes should fit properly and provide adequate support. Shoes should also be wide enough to allow for proper circulation. It is just as important that you wear socks that fit properly and are made from breathable materials.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot : Avoid walking barefoot, as this can lead to injuries. Shoes should be worn at all times, even when at home, to reduce the risk of unforeseeable injuries to the feet.
- Keep Your Feet Clean : Wash your feet regularly with warm water, mild soap and dry them thoroughly. It is also important to avoid using harsh soaps and hot water, as this can dry out your skin.
- Keep Skin Moisturized : Keeping the feet skin moisturized can help prevent dry, cracked skin. A moisturizing lotion or cream can be applied to your feet daily. Make sure to avoid applying the cream or lotion between the toes, as this may lead to infection.
- Exercise Regularly : Regular exercises can help maintain good circulation and keep the feet healthy. Walking, cycling and swimming are all good forms of exercise for individuals living with diabetes.
