Taking Care of Your Feet
About 20% of the people diagnosed with diabetes are hospitalized because of issues concerning their feet. The foot of a diabetic can cause a number of possible critical conditions for them to be in. Blood flow problems in the legs, like atherosclerosis, can put the foot in peril for injury and infections.
The damage done to the nerves in the foot, from neuropathy, can reduce the ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. This can lead to secondary damage to the foot which if left untreated can cause infection and the breakdown of the skin.
Close monitoring of a diabetic’s foot would lessen the risks of possible complications. It’s best practice to notify a doctor when there are observed changes and abnormally slower healing pace for open wounds on the foot.
Dry, cracked and peeling skin indicates that the moisture producing nerves of the foot are having problems. Bacteria courses its way to the body through these peels and cracks. To prevent this, use petroleum based lotions or salves to aid the nerves and almost eradicate the cracks. Avoid putting to much lotion between the toes because it may lead to other problems.
Untreated calluses can harden, become thick and can develop into an ulcer. When a callus is discovered and cannot be softened at home with the aid of a pumice stone, a physician needs to be alerted.
The areas around the bottom of the big toe and the ball of the foot are the most common places for ulcers (open sores) to develop. Occasionally, due to ill fitting foot wear, ulcers may even occur on the sides, top or heel of the foot. A diabetic should watch for signs of redness, as this may indicate an area of the skin that may break down. Open sores can become infected and foot infections are the leading cause of lower limb amputations in diabetics. Staying off of the feet is recommended to avoid causing the infection to move farther into the foot and lower leg. Sometimes, a diabetic may need to wear a cast to avoid putting weight on the foot to prevent the ulcer from becoming larger or the infection from spreading.
Here are some tips on how to prevent the aforementioned issues from taking place: Monitor your sugar level. Stay fit. The legs and feet are strained due to the extra weight you may have. It would also be a little difficult to check your foot closely if you have a big bulge. Regularly inspect your feet or ask assistance from someone. Use smooth socks and not bunched when put on. Inspect shoes for foreign objects; the effects of the smallest obstruction can lead to catastrophic effects. Always wear something to protect your feet. You might step on something and cause open wounds. Check the temperature of the water bath with your hands first. If there are problems with the nerves on your feet, you won’t be able to feel if you’re already burning or not. Do not use heating pads on the feet. Make sure that after taking a bath your feet are dried well, especially between the toes. Quit smoking. Poor blood circulation, caused by smoking, increases the risk of nerve damage and slow healing.
Have a podiatrist trim toenails, trim calluses, and remove corns, to eliminate the risk of infection. If the nerves on your foot have difficulty in sensing, never do it on your own.
Diabetics should keenly observe their feet for any sign of irregularity to prevent hospitalization for foot related issues and even the amputation of the lower limb.
