Diabetic foot is a long term complication of diabetes mellitus. Foot infections are one of the most common problems in people with diabetes. Because of poor circulation in these individuals, wounds and infections are more difficult to treat. Another problem is peripheral vascular disease which can lead to gangrene. With chronic uncontrolled glucose levels, there can be resulting damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the feet. When this happens, there can be reduced feeling in the feet and even numbness. If the foot gets a blister or a small cut, this may go unnoticed and as a result, the feet may not heal well.
Below are nine ways to prevent diabetic foot and its complications.
First, control diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels. Your doctor may ask for testing of A1C levels every three months. Generally, the result should be less than seven percent. Using a blood glucose monitor to self monitor your sugar levels can assist you in making proper adjustments to your medications. Discuss with your physician about what is an acceptable range. Be sure that you know what to do if your blood sugar is not within that range.
Next, examine your feet every day. Check for cuts, sores, blister, redness, calluses, corns, ingrown nails, skin cracks, or other problems. If you cannot reach your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to do it for you. Remember that no matter how small or minor the injury may appear, it can be potentially dangerous for diabetics because of the higher risk of infection. It is also necessary to check for changes in the shape of your toes and feet. The foot arch can drop or the toes may start to curl under. Charcot foot is a type of foot deformity due to neuropathy.
Third, keep your skin smooth and soft by using skin lotion on the bottom and over the tops of your feet. Do not apply lotion in between the toes as this may cause fungal growth. Dry and cracked feet can turn to ulcers that may not heal.
Because your nails protect the toes from trauma, it is important to keep the nails in good condition. The nails should be smooth and pinkish. If your nails appear thick and brittle, this can mean onychomycosis or nail infection. Get this treated without delay. When cutting the toenails, trim them straight across and smooth the edges using a nail file or emery board.
Fifth, if you notice any wart or growth, do not attempt to self treat. Never use a nail clipper, scissors, nail file, or chemicals to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself. See your foot doctor for proper management.
Sixth, it is important to protect your feet. Never walk barefoot and avoid anything that can hurt your feet. Avoid hot water, heating pads, and electric blankets that can burn or numb a skin area without you noticing it. Do not wear socks that are too tight.
Seventh, wear comfortable shoes that fit well and cushion your feet. If you have new shoes, do not wear them for more than a couple of hours at a time to break them. This would avoid the possibility of developing sore spots that could turn worse later on. Check inside your shoes before wearing them to see if there are little stones or objects inside that can cause injury. Make sure the lining is smooth and that there are no tears that can irritate your feet.
Eighth, see your doctor regularly. Consult immediately if you notice any changes in your feet or if you have increasing pain of numbness in the feet. Your podiatrist will examine your feet, check for blood circulation, and test for nerve damage.
And lastly, keep your home and workplace safe. Remove any clutter and keep the floor free from litter to avoid accidents.
By simply taking these basic practices, you can prevent diabetic foot and its complications. See a podiatrist for proper management of the feet. The best place to get the best treatment is at a specialized wound care center.
Lorinne Yen specializes in medical and health care articles.
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