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. Check if the foot becomes dry, cracked, and starts to peel. It may present to us another issue.
These are signs that there's a problem with the nerves that are responsible for the foot to produce moisture. Cracks and peels pave the way for bacteria and to get in and cause more problems. One can use petroleum based lotions or salves to add moisture to the foot to prevent cracks. Do not put lotion between the toes, though, because too much of this may lead to infection. You can soften calluses, if observed, with the help of a pumice stone. If this would not work, alert a doctor because once it hardens and becomes thick, it would lead to ulcer.
Wearing shoes that are too tight may cause ulcer or open sores. It grows around the bottom of the big toe, at the ball of the foot, and also on the sides, top or heel of the foot. If the skin turns red, it may lead to skin breakdown, and diabetics should be conscious about this because open sores can start infections that may require leg amputation. In order to avoid ulcers to get worse or have other infections, some diabetics wear a cast to minimize the pressure on the legs.
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. To avoid being hospitalized for foot related problems, possibly even amputation of the lower limb, a diabetic must take care of their feet and watch them closely for any signs of change.
Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.