Diabetic Foot - Overview, Cause, Consult Your Doctor

Foot issues are normal in individuals with diabetes. The affected persons may fear losing a toe, foot, or leg to diabetes. However, an individual can reduce the chances of having diabetes-pertaining foot problems by caring for the feet daily. Handling blood glucose levels, known as blood sugar, can ensure your feet are healthy. Gradually, diabetes could result in nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, that can lead to tingling and pain, making the person lose feeling in the feet. Cuts and sores could become infected.

Diabetes can lessen the blood flow in the feet, the healing process could be slow, and the infection might result in gangrene. Foot ulcers and gangrene that are not treated properly can lead to an amputation of a part of the leg. A doctor might conduct an amputation to prevent a severe infection from spreading to the other parts of the body, thereby saving your life.

Another rare medical condition is the nerve damage due to diabetes could change the shape of the feet, known as Charcot’s foot.

Keeping the Feet Healthy

Collaborate with your doctor to create a diabetes self-care plan. The plan should consist of foot care. A foot doctor, known as a podiatrist, must be part of the medical team.

Observe the Foot Daily

Inspecting the feet every day would enable spotting problems before they become worse. Sometimes you might have foot problems but having no pain in the feet.

Examine For Problems Like:

• Cuts or sores
• Swelling or blisters
• Nails growing into the skin
• Corns
• Athlete’s foot
• Warm spots

Washing the Feet Daily

Wash your feet in warm water with soap. Ensure the water is not too hot and avoid soaking the feet since your skin can get too dry. Once you have washed and dried your feet, use talcum powder between the toes to prevent any infection.

Corns

Corns are thick patches of skin that grow on the feet. Consult a foot doctor about the most suitable method for caring for foot problems. Some doctors might recommend using a pumice stone to smooth corns.

Avoid/strong

• Cutting the corns
• Using medicated pads like corn plasters
• Using liquid corn removers

Trimming the Toenails /strong

Trim your toenails if required after washing and drying the feet. Trim the toenails straight across without cutting into the corners of the toenail.

Wear Shoes and Socks Always

It would be appropriate to wear shoes and socks always. Avoid walking barefoot even if you are indoors. Inspect the inside of the shoes to ensure the lining is smooth and there are no sharp or unwanted objects.

Safeguard the Feet from Hot and Cold

• Any nerve damage due to diabetes might lead to burning of the feet
• Wear shoes before going to the beach or on a hot footpath
• Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn
• Do not place the feet near heaters and open fires

Ensure Blood Flows to the Feet

• Put your feet up while sitting
• Move your ankles to improve blood circulation
• Avoid wearing tight socks
• Participate in physical activities like walking, dancing, yoga, swimming
• Do not smoke

Yearly once get a detailed foot examination, including assessing the feeling and pulses in the feet.