Tips for Taking Care of Diabetic Feet
People who have diabetes know that they need to take extra care of their feet to reduce or eliminate the pain and complications often associated with the disease. Pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, including the feet, are commonly experienced by people with diabetes. Neuropathy can cause injuries to go unnoticed, and reduced circulation to the extremities can slow healing after an injury has occurred. Here are a few precautions that may be recommended to help care for diabetic feet:
Thoroughly inspect feet for injuries each day. A loss of sensation can lead cuts, bruises, blisters or ulcers on the feet to go unnoticed in people with diabetes. Discovering and treating any such problems early can help keep them from worsening. Examining the feet daily is a good idea for anyone with diabetes.
Contact your medical professional immediately if any foot problems are observed. Discovering and treating any potential foot issues early gives you the chance to begin treatment right away. Many foot related problems can worsen or become infected if they go unnoticed.
Wear properly fitted diabetic footwear for your needs. Diabetic footwear is designed to provide optimal support and distribute the weight of the body such that foot pain is minimized. Podiatrists and certified pedorthists can help people with diabetes select appropriately fitted footwear for their needs.
Avoid going barefoot to reduce the chance of injury. Preventing cuts and other foot injuries is a precaution that can help minimize foot problems and infections in diabetics. Wearing shoes at all times is one way to help prevent unnecessary injuries that can lead to infections.
Wash and dry feet well daily. Washing the feet daily helps promote foot health. Drying the feet completely, particularly between the toes, is also very important for people who have diabetes.
Work with your doctor to determine what treatments work for you. Since the same treatments options may not work for each patient, working with a medical professional such as a podiatrist or certified pedorthist will help you determine the best way to care for your feet.
Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tips-for-taking-care-of-diabetic-feet-1165282.html
About the Author
Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a provider of wholesale orthopedic products including diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, braces and more. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.
Foot Care For Diabetics
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By Shaun Parker
Shaun Parker is a leading podiatrist and chiropodist in London, with many years of experience in foot care. Find out more about chiropody at: http://www.gotosee.co.uk/therapies/Podiatry-(Chiropody).htm.
Not only do diabetics have to keep an eye on their diet, monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin shots, they must also ensure their feet are free from infection. With an estimated 120 million diabetics worldwide, podiatry has its work cut out treating the foot problems associated with diabetes. Foot ulcers, infections and even amputation are among the risks diabetics face from poor foot care. However, by following some simple guidelines, and regular visits to a podiatrist, diabetics can keep their feet clean, healthy and reduce the risk of disability.
People with diabetes have impaired nerve and circulatory function. Nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation in the extremities, often the feet. An insensitivity to pain means the diabetic may not feel a blister, cut or sore on their foot. Poor circulation means that blood flow to the foot is reduced, impacting on the resistance to infection or the healing of an existing infection. An aggressive infection can potentially lead to the loss of a toe, foot or leg. Every year in the UK, nearly 5,000 diabetics need an amputation arising from a foot infection.
Half of all foot ulcers and amputations on people with diabetes could be prevented through improved foot care. Diabetics should develop a daily routine of inspection and cleaning along with periodic examination by a podiatrist. Diabetics should inspect their feet every morning and night checking for blisters, cuts and inflammation or toenail problems. It may be necessary to use a mirror to see the sole of the foot or ask someone else to take a look. Feet should be washed in warm water using a mild soap and dried carefully but thoroughly(paying particular attention to between the toes). Once dry, the feet should be moisturised. Podiatrists sell a specialist foot moisturiser that can prevent dry skin from cracking, however this shouldn’t be used between the toes as this can cause a fungal infection.
Toenails should be cut straight and across but not too short as this can lead to an ingrowing nail. Also file down any edges to prevent snagging. Socks should be clean, dry, changed daily and not be too tight around the ankle as this can restrict circulation (remember, diabetics can have poor circulation to the extremities). Before putting on shoes, diabetics should check inside and shake them out; a small stone can easily cause a cut or irritation to the foot. When at home, avoid walking around the house in bare feet; wear slippers with a hard rubber sole. Diabetics are advised to avoid walking in bare feet on any occasion as the risk of a scratch or cut is possible on any surface. Heat should never be applied to the feet with hot water bottles or heat pads. If feet get cold in bed at night, wear a clean pair of socks instead.
Even following all these guidelines, diabetics are as prone to corns and calluses as non-diabetics. However, diabetics should not use corn plasters or chemical agents to treat the problem. Regular podiatry visits will clear up any skin problems and if creams or solutions are needed the podiatrist will recommend safe products. A podiatrist can also give advice on correctional devices like orthotics that can be placed in the sole of the shoe to ease pressure on the foot and prevent blisters forming.
Awareness, common sense, cleanliness and treatment from a trained podiatry practitioner can prevent diabetics from developing foot problems that can potentially lead to disastrous consequences.
Source: Shaun Parker
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