Diabetic Foot
Diabetic Foot Problem - Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is among the most dreaded effect of uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes.
Neuropathy simply means "abnormally functioning nerves" and diabetic peripheral neuropathy refers to the damage to the long nerves of our hands and feet.
Diabetes causes nerve damage and a person with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet frequently do not notice small cuts on the feet as they do not feel pain due to loss of sensation, numbness and pain. This could lead to diabetic foot infection, diabetic foot ulcer and in latter stages gangrene and loss of limb.
In orthopedic ward, almost all patients with below the knee amputations, that are not related to accidents, would be people with diabetic foot problem. Amputation in diabetes is preventable with a dedicated diabetic foot care program.
Management of Diabetic Feet
Diabetic Foot Care - Caring for the diabetic foot
In the management of diabetic feet, "prevention is better than cure". People with diabetes should take extra care of their feet as diabetics are often hospitalized for diabetic foot problem.
Most people take their feet for granted. But if you have diabetes you should pay extra attention to your feet every single day. Diabetics are more likely to have problems with their foot, which if left untreated, may lead to diabetic foot ulcer and even amputation.
Overall, about 15% of the people with diabetes will have a serious diabetic foot problem at some point.
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The longer you've had
diabetes, the
greater your risk of diabetic foot complication. If you have poor
circulation, it may take longer for blisters or other sores on your
feet to heal. That increases your risk of diabetic foot infection. People with diabetes often develop nerve damage called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which cause numbness of the feet and prevent them from noticing some diabetic foot related symptoms. That is why checking your feet daily is a requirement for diabetic. Making foot care a part of your daily routine will help prevent many common diabetic foot ailments such as corns, calluses, ingrown toe nails, bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, arthritis and limited joint motion. |
For treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
and specialize diabetic foot care program, consult a diabetic foot
clinic for referral to a podiatrist (or foot specialist) and
rehabilitation doctors.
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Diabetic Foot Care guide - Step by Step Direction to Diabetes Foot Care
- Keep them clean. Gently wash your feet
every day. Use a soft towel to carefully pat them dry.
- Check them out. Look for blisters,
cuts, scratches and reddened areas. Treating diabetic foot ailments
immediately can prevent a small diabetic foot problem from becoming serious.
- Moisturize them. Apply moisturizing
cream or lotion on your skin but don't put any between your toes.
Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any new
foot treatments.
- Protect your feet. Always wear proper diabetic shoes. Choose seamless padded diabetic sock for comfortable walking and to keep your feet warm.
Diabetic Foot Product
Choosing Diabetic Shoes and Diabetic Sock
Diabetic Shoes
Wearing proper fitting diabetic shoes can reduce the risk of diabetic foot problems. Choose comfortable, supportive diabetic shoes with arch supports and flexible soles.
Before putting on your shoes, always check inside for foreign objects like pebbles to reduce incidence of foot and toes blisters. Make sure the shoe's lining is intact and there are no other rough areas that could irritate your skin.
Diabetic Sock
Wear diabetic sock made from fabrics that will draw perspiration away from your feet, such as cotton acrylic blends. If your feet sweat a lot, steer clear of plain cotton to help prevent foot blisters.
There are supportive diabetic sock - 'diabetic circulation sock', some of which are seamless and designed to be less binding and less restrictive than regular socks.
For good diabetic foot care, replace any diabetic sock that have holes, seem too tight or tend to bunch up in your shoes.