Diabetic Foot Care
When enough insulin is not produced by the body of an individual or if insulin produced by his pancreas is not used properly, he/she is said to suffer from a disease called diabetes.
About 6 % of the populations are affected by diabetes. Diabetes leads to increased blood glucose which can cause damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels.
If you do not control diabetes, it may decrease the ability of your body to fight infections leading to the impairment of your immune system and damaging your body organs. Diabetic patients commonly develop foot problems that could even result in amputation of the foot, leg or a toe.
The common foot problems found in diabetics are blisters, foot ulcers, calluses, Athlete’s foot, hammertoes, dry skin, etc. In order to avoid foot problems in the diabetics greater care is needed. You can take care of your foot in the following ways.
Keep your sugar level under control by taking medicines and following your doctor’s advice. Wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry your feet, especially between your toes by patting or blotting. If your skin is dry then moisturize them daily (avoid between the toes).
This will prevent your skin from cracking and itching. You should examine your feet daily and check for blisters, redness, swelling, cuts or other foot problems. If you observe any foot problems then instead of trying to treat them yourself you must see your doctor.
Always keep your feet dry and warm. You should wear dry and clean socks which should be changed daily. At night if you experience cold feet then do not use hot water bottle or a heating pad; use warm socks. Avoid getting your feet wet in rain or snow. You must always wear slippers or shoes at home and must never walk barefoot.
Avoid in-growths of toenails by cutting them straight. Never cut them at the edges; instead file them carefully. Always wear shoes that properly fit on your feet. They should neither be tight nor loose. And do not wear high-heeled shoes. You must visit your podiatrist at least once or twice in a year. Quit smoking because it obstructs blood supply to your feet and creates foot problems.
If you take care of your feet you can succeed in avoiding and minimizing complications caused by foot problems in diabetics.
