DIABETIC FOOT
THE COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT CARE
If you are living with diabetes, you may already know you’re at risk of foot problems. These conditions develop over time after continuous levels of high blood sugar.
Have you ever thought about the relationship between DIABETES AND FEET? Diabetes is a medical condition that alters insulin production or efficacy – the hormone responsible for energy conversion from the sugar-rich blood.
When the insulin hormone isn’t functioning, the sugar remains in the blood. This can result in the development of various conditions in the body, including the feet.
Unfortunately, most people act on a DIABETIC FOOT when it’s too late. As a result, DIABETIC SWOLLEN FEET are the leading cause of amputation. You don’t have to wait until it’s too late; our professionals at Frederick Foot and Ankle can help you.
COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
IN DIABETES
(PVD) While diabetes can lead to various body and foot problems, two of these conditions are most common when caring for patients with diabetes. These conditions include:
1. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
After a while, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, subsequently causing feet numbness, especially in the lower extremities. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy can make it hard for patients diagnosed with diabetes to feel any irritation, infection, or soreness. This means a person with diabetic neuropathy can easily get injured, even from wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Some of the other conditions associated with diabetic neuropathy include foot blisters, soreness, and an increased risk of injuries and cuts. If left untreated, these conditions can also materialize into serious ailments such as gangrene and/or a diabetic ulcer.
2. PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE(also known as, PVD)
Diabetes can also seriously interfere with blood vessels. Conditions such as peripheral vascular disease(PVD) may show from blockage of blood vessels beyond the heart and brain.
The bulk of PVD is felt on the extremities, such as feet and hands. The condition can develop into infections, pain, slow healing wounds, and reduced blood flow.
SYMPTOMS OF A
DIABETIC FOOT
Diabetic foot symptoms can significantly vary from one patient to another. Moreover, the symptoms may be influenced by other health conditions the patient may be suffering from. Nonetheless, some of the prevalent diabetic foot symptoms include;
- Losing feeling in one or both feet
- Constant tingling or numbing sensation
- Red streaks
- Blisters and wounds form without pain
- The skin changes color according to the temperature
Additionally, if there is an infection, you may be prone to signs like fever, shaking, redness, shock, and uncontrollable blood sugar. If you have diabetes and experience any of these symptoms, please see a podiatrist for further care.
CARING FOR A
DIABETIC FOOT
Prevention, as it is said, is better than cure. For diabetic patients, there are a few care guidelines to prevent foot problems. These include
- Checking your feet daily and look out for blisters and injuries
- Washing your feet regularly
- Wearing the right kind of socks and shoes
- Elevating and wiggling your feet to increase blood flow
- Regular professional examinations and relevant tests
- Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
Patients diagnosed with diabetes need regular podiatric consults to examine the condition of their feet.
By being proactive about their foot care, this can help prevent any future foot and ankle complications, such as lower leg wounds, and amputation. Overall, routine foot checks will help you to move better and allow you to keep doing what you love.