Are You Diabetic? Then Its High Time to Take Care of Your Feet!

World Wide Web | Are You Diabetic? Then Its High Time to Take Care of Your Feet! | Diabetes has many complications that are linked with eyes, heart, kidneys etc. But the most common and threatening complication is a diabetic foot.If you have diabetes, then you are more likely to develop foot problems. Diabetes damages your nerves that make you feel no pain or pressure on the skin of your feet. You may not notice a foot injury until severe damage or infection develops. The affected limb may need to be amputated if the skin ulcers do not improve, get larger or go deeper into the skin.

Causes of diabetic foot

· Uncontrolled blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels are a good medium for the growth of bacteria. This accelerates the rate of infections. Hence keep your sugar levels under control.

· Vasculopathy

Diabetes affects blood vessels and thereby decreases the lumen. This decreases the blood flow to wounds, ulcers etc and delay the process of healing.

· Neuropathy

Diabetes affects the nerves, resulting in loss of sensation. As a result, the patient do not feel pain of minor wounds and tend to ignore minor infections, ulcers and pus formations which adds to problems and leads to limb amputations.

If you have diabetes, you should

· Improve control of your blood glucose levels.

· Quit smoking.

· Get a foot exam at least once in a year and see if you have any nerve damage.

· Check and care your feet daily

Daily Foot Care Routine

Check your feet and toes every day. Look carefully at the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes.

Wash your feet and toes every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.

Test the temperature of the water with your fingers or elbows before putting your feet in warm or hot water. Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to sense if the water is too hot. Burns can easily occur.

Gently and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between your toes. Infections can develop in moist areas.

Your feet may become very dry and may crack, possibly causing an infection. After bathing your feet, soften dry skin with lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil. Do not put lotion between your toes if you have sores there.

Ask your podiatrist if it is okay for you to trim your nails. If it is, ask him to show you the safest way. If your toenails are not trimmed correctly, you may get a foot sore or ulcer.

Soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften your nails before trimming.

Cut the nail straight across, because curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.

Avoid sitting with your legs crossed or standing in one position for long periods of time.

If you smoke, stop. It decreases blood flow to the feet.

MORE HELPFUL TIPS

Do NOT use antiseptic solutions on your feet because these can burn and injure skin.

Do NOT apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your feet. Avoid hot pavement or hot sandy beaches.

Do NOT treat corns or calluses yourself using over-the-counter remedies. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat foot problems.

If obesity prevents you from being physically able to inspect your feet, ask a family member, neighbour, or visiting nurse to perform this important check.

· Report sores or other changes to your doctor immediately. Report all blisters, bruises, cuts, sores, or areas of redness.

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Article Source: EzineArticles