Diabetes can cause difficulties with your feet and legs, which are two typical consequences of the condition. Diabetes increases your chances of developing calluses, corns, bunions, blisters, and ulcers, and high levels of glucose means these small injuries and changes can become gateways to crippling illnesses. However, you may assist maintain your feet in excellent health by wearing specialized footwear, getting regular foot checkups, and engaging in low-impact activity. Diabetics are prone to foot problems since the disease can cause nerve damage and restricted blood circulation. Although you should undergo diabetic foot care therapy, In this blog, we will see a few things you may do to guarantee the wellness of your feet.
Warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bad smell
- Blisters
- Discolored skin
- Open sores
- Warts
- Severe pain
- Bleeding
- Ingrown toenails
Diabetic foot ulcer is a common and lethal consequence of diabetes that can lead to amputation. According to the study, more than 80% of diabetic amputations begin with only a foot ulcer and not treated immediately, it may become infected, necessitating amputation to reduce the danger of infection spreading.
Some diabetics are at a higher risk than others. The following factors increase the probability of an amputation:
- Vision impairment
- Corns
- Kidney problems
- High blood sugar levels
- History of foot ulcers
- Nerve damage in foot
- Weak blood circulation
Learn how to keep your feet healthy, how to spot early warning signs that you need to see a doctor, and what to anticipate if you need an amputation.
1.Every day, check your feet for cracks, wounds, and sores
Every day, inspect your feet for wounds, red areas, swelling, symptoms of infection, blisters, or ulcers. Ulcers are a significant consequence of diabetes that can be particularly difficult to cure. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have any type of foot injury, such as sores, ingrown toenails, corns or calluses, warts, warm patches, or athlete’s foot. Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottoms of your feet. You can also seek assistance from others. Try not to touch any sores you come across.
2.Keep your feet clean and dry
Clean your feet with lukewarm water every day. To keep the body’s skin dry, use talcum powder or cornflour, particularly between the toes. Massage your feet with a nice foot lotion, but avoid getting it between your toes. The region between your toes is susceptible to infection, so keeping it dry is important. Walking barefoot is dangerous because you may hurt your feet without recognising it.
3.Quit smoking
There are numerous health reasons to quit smoking, with diabetes near the top of the list. Smoking reduces circulation, which can exacerbate diabetic foot issues. If you smoke and are having difficulty stopping, contact your doctor or podiatrist for assistance in enrolling in a smoking cessation programme.
4.Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Podiatrists cannot emphasize enough the importance of diabetics wearing correctly fitting shoes. When purchasing a new pair of shoes, you should visit a reputable shoe store where a competent sales person can assess the width and length of your feet to ensure a comfortable fit. Diabetics should also avoid wearing high heels, sandals, or sharp shoes. These shoes put even more pressure on the foot and lead to diabetic foot ulcers.
5.Never attempt to remove calluses, warts, or corns on your own
It may be appealing to attempt to treat a bothersome foot problem on your own. However, it is never a smart idea for a Diabetic, even if you are using an over-the-counter treatment. Diabetics should always seek the assistance of a podiatrist for the removal of calluses, warts, corns, ulcers, or other foot issues.
6.Put on thick, soft socks
When you have diabetes, you must take extra care of the skin of your feet. Wear acrylic-blend socks and prevent patched socks or socks with zippers, which could also cause blisters.
7.Diabetic foot ulcers Treatment
The treatment choices for foot ulcers are determined on the depth of the ulcer. In general, treatment consists of procedures to remove dead tissue or debris, clean the region, and promote healing. Wounds should be examined at minimum once every one to four weeks. Amputation may be the sole option when the condition causes severe tissue loss or a possibly lethal infection.
A surgeon will excise the afflicted tissue while conserving as many healthy cells as feasible in the following process. Following surgery, you will indeed be observed in the clinic for a period of time. Your lesion may take four to six weeks to heal completely. Even after amputation, it is vital to maintain your diabetes treatment regimen. People who have had one amputated are more likely to receive another.
Diabetes foot ulcers are treatable if your diabetes is under control and you take proper care of your feet. The easiest way to avoid an amputation if you develop a foot ulcer is to get medical attention as soon as possible. With adequate therapies, limb salvage is a potential therapy option for diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes, if it affects your feet, can have far-reaching repercussions.
Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala of Flow Vascular Clinic is a prominent Interventional radiology professional and the city’s premier endovascular surgeon. His ambition is to give high-quality, individualized treatment. With his 7 years of diagnostic and radiological skills, he has helped 7000 patients in just 5 years. Large numbers of people with foot ulcers have been effectively treated by him. His major goal is to give personalized, high-quality health care to all of his patients. So, if you see any of the following indications or for more information do contact our experts or just click here for a quick response.