Diabetic Foot Care Tips
A foot ulcer is a common complication seen in diabetic patients. Diabetic foot generally occurs due to the breakdown of skin tissues that can expose the inside layers. This condition commonly occurs under your big toes and the ball of your feet. It can also affect your feet present down to the bones.
The common thought that comes when you hear about diabetes that it is just a blood sugar problem. But the nerve and vessel damage can also become a problem for your feet that is caused due to neuropathy. In around 70 % of the diabetic people, neuropathy is common.
The following tips need to be followed while suffering from the diabetic foot.
Inspect your feet regularly
Nerve damage is a common complication of diabetes and it can make it hard to feel if you are already having sores or cracks in your feet. You need to look for colour changes or any visible changes on your feet.
Avoid Hot Tubs
Stepping into the hot bathtubs can cause severe damage to the feet. When you are suffering from neuropathy, it’s difficult for you to sense the water temperature. Hot water can cause burns and blisters can increase the risk of infection.
Wear Proper Footwear
You need to pay a little more attention when you purchase footwear if you are having diabetes. You should select shoes with more depth in the toe box with good coverage of both top and bottom. You must select without seams inside the shoe that can rub on your foot. Select socks without seams prefer socks that are padded and are made of a material that can control moisture like cotton.
Avoid going Barefoot
You must avoid going barefoot when you are diabetic. It is recommended to wear shoes with good coverage outside to protect your feet from infection. When you go barefoot, there is a high risk of small cuts, scrapes and penetration by glass shards and splinters. You may not notice these things till these damages become infected.
Keep your Skin Dry
You need to keep your feet dry at all times and it should become a part of your hygiene. The space present between the toes is airtight and the skin gets moist and breaks down leading to infection. You need to prevent this moisture by towelling off thoroughly after washing your feet. You need to remove your sweaty socks or shoes immediately to prevent infection. To prevent dry and cracked skin, make use of moisturisers.
Opt for Non-Impact Aerobics
While suffering from diabetes, exercise is beneficial. However, you need to go easy on your feet. Mostly, fitness classes and aerobics programs include bouncing, jumping and leaping that may not be the best activity for your feet especially in the case of neuropathy. It is recommended to go walking without putting much pressure on your feet.
Diabetic foot infection is a common complication seen in diabetes. If you are looking for a diabetic foot treatment in Hyderabad, you can consult Dr Abhilash Sandhyala who is experienced in performing the diabetic foot surgery in Hyderabad
Dr Abhilash is also a best vascular surgeon in Hyderabad and Telangana