Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that leads to severe complications. One of the most common and serious complications is diabetic foot. If left untreated it may require lower limb amputation to prevent the diabetic from untimely death.
Ulcers and foot complications are common in more than 25% of the diabetic population. Uncontrollable diabetes often leads to peripheral neuropathy and the risk of developing foot ulcers. However, the risk of lower limb amputation and foot ulcers can be prevented with diabetic foot care. According to the International Working Group of Diabetic Foot, timely care and treatment could prevent up to 50% of diabetic foot amputations.
Prompt treatment is highly recommended for foot ulcers to reduce the risk of severe infections and amputations. Moreover, statistics and studies highlight the importance of diabetic foot care. Today’s post is a comprehensive guide on diabetic foot care which helps in the timely detection and prevention of complications like ulcers and severe infections.
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What is diabetic foot?
A range of foot problems that occur in diabetics is referred to as diabetic foot. Diabetes affects the blood flow and causes nerve damage, which leads to various foot problems.
Uncontrollable blood sugar and nerve damage can lead to the following complications:
- Loss of sensation and inability to feel pain, heat and cold in the feet.
- Foot ulcers and infections due to slowed ability to heal wounds
- Charcot foot causing foot deformity and weakening of bones
- Calluses and corns due to the thickening of the skin
These conditions require prompt treatment by a foot doctor. If left untreated or in absence of proper care, these foot conditions can lead to severe complications.
Crucial steps for diabetic foot care
Ulcers, infections and severe complications can be avoided with routine diabetic foot care. Below are some useful tips to regularly monitor the condition of your feet.
- Manage diabetes: Nerve damage and poor circulation are caused by diabetes. To avoid the potential complications of nerve damage and affected blood flow, it is very important to take a healthy diet, take the prescribed medication and stay physically active.
- Daily foot examination: Any signs of injury or infection should not go unnoticed. It is advised that diabetics must use a magnifying mirror or ask someone to check their feet everyday for cuts, blisters, swelling and possible signs of infections.
- Foot hygiene: Diabetics should use mild soap and warm water to wash their feet daily. Drying should be done rigorously, especially between the toes. Moisture trapped in this area can cause infection. It is also important to use a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and avoid peeling or cracking. Cracks in the skin can also be the underlying cause of injuries, wounds and infections.
- Footwear change: To promote adequate blood flow in the feet, diabetics must wear properly fitted shoes. There should be adequate support underneath. Ideally, one must consult a podiatrist for new balance diabetic shoes. Wearing shoes that are specifically designed for diabetics can be immensely beneficial to avoid the risk of foot complications.
- Routine check-ups: A podiatrist can effectively monitor any potential problems related to diabetic foot. Therefore, routine examinations are highly recommended. Visit your foot doctor regularly and seek medical attention right away if any signs of injuries or infections are observed.
Role of a podiatrist in diabetic foot care
Podiatrists are licensed medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. Routine appointments with a podiatrist play an important role in diabetic foot care. Here are some ways your foot doctor can help in avoiding foot related complications.
Foot examination: Podiatrists use special tools and techniques to determine the levels of neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and other foot problems.
Foot care: Routine appointments with a foot doctor are also helpful in learning the right techniques to wash and dry feet. Additionally, they can offer useful guidance to safely trim the toenails.
Diabetic foot ulcer treatment: Prompt wound care offered by a podiatrist is highly beneficial in avoiding the risk of amputations. Their offered wound care promotes healing and reduces potential infections. A foot doctor can effectively clean and dress the wound, and apply topical medication and dressings.
Footwear recommendations: Ill-fitted footwear can cut back blood flow, hence consultation with podiatrists is also helpful in finding best fitted footwear. New balance diabetic shoes that are great for cushioning and support can be prescribed by a podiatrist.
Custom orthotics: Redistributing the pressure can be helpful in overcoming various foot conditions in diabetics. Therefore, custom orthotics can also be prescribed to diabetics to provide additional support.
Conclusion
Routine diabetic foot care is essential to avoid potential conditions of injuries, infections, wounds and foot ulcers. Podiatrists not only offer proper wound treatment but also provide specialized education to prevent complications. If you have uncontrolled blood glucose levels and are worried about the possibility of nerve damage then schedule an appointment with the best Podiatrist in Tustin CA.
If you notice any signs of foot problems, injuries or ulcers, you can also visit Orange County Foot and Ankle Group. With three offices in CA, it becomes the top choice for diabetic foot care.