Diabetes is the commonest chronic metabolic conditions worldwide. The condition is associated with numerous complications both in the short term and long term. Diabetic foot is a term that describes a number of complications that affect the lower limb after some years of diabetes. Loss of sensation and reduced blood flow to the feet (and the leg in general) lead to frequent injuries that culminate in chronic ulcers. If suffering from diabetes, there are a number of facts on diabetic foot care Scottsdale patients should know.
The starting point of preventing complications is to ensure that the blood sugar levels are well controlled. Taking oral hypoglycemic medication (or insulin) as prescribed by your physician should is a must. Make sure that you monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis to ensure that the drugs are indeed having a beneficial effect. Honor appointments with your physician so that any existing problems can be identified early.
You need to develop a habit of regularly inspecting your feet. This is because you may be unaware of injuries sustained due to the damage on your peripheral nervous system. The damage to this system reduces your perception of pain. When you identify these injuries early, you get an opportunity to intervene early and prevent progression of foot damage. A magnifying mirror is often necessary to view to lower part of the foot.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Choose your shoes carefully. Improper shoes may exert pressure on various point on the feet and increase the chances of ulcer formation. To get recommendations on what would best apply in your case, you may need to seek the services of a foot doctor ( podiatrist). This is particularly import if you have preexisting foot conditions such as hammertoes, bunions or flat feet.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
You need to make some changes to your lifestyle so as to reduce the risk of diabetic foot. One of the changes should be to start engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercise achieves its effects in two main ways: reducing the levels of blood sugar and improving circulation. The other important step is to abstain from smoking. Nicotine (found in tobacco) impairs circulation and increases the risk of ulcer formation.
Diabetic feet are among the most serious complications of diabetes. If not treated in good time, the condition may progress and even lead to amputation of affected limbs. Examining the feet thoroughly on a regular basis goes a long way in minimizing the risk of ulcer formation and infections. Always consult your physician when you encounter something suspicious.
The starting point of preventing complications is to ensure that the blood sugar levels are well controlled. Taking oral hypoglycemic medication (or insulin) as prescribed by your physician should is a must. Make sure that you monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis to ensure that the drugs are indeed having a beneficial effect. Honor appointments with your physician so that any existing problems can be identified early.
You need to develop a habit of regularly inspecting your feet. This is because you may be unaware of injuries sustained due to the damage on your peripheral nervous system. The damage to this system reduces your perception of pain. When you identify these injuries early, you get an opportunity to intervene early and prevent progression of foot damage. A magnifying mirror is often necessary to view to lower part of the foot.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Choose your shoes carefully. Improper shoes may exert pressure on various point on the feet and increase the chances of ulcer formation. To get recommendations on what would best apply in your case, you may need to seek the services of a foot doctor ( podiatrist). This is particularly import if you have preexisting foot conditions such as hammertoes, bunions or flat feet.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
You need to make some changes to your lifestyle so as to reduce the risk of diabetic foot. One of the changes should be to start engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercise achieves its effects in two main ways: reducing the levels of blood sugar and improving circulation. The other important step is to abstain from smoking. Nicotine (found in tobacco) impairs circulation and increases the risk of ulcer formation.
Diabetic feet are among the most serious complications of diabetes. If not treated in good time, the condition may progress and even lead to amputation of affected limbs. Examining the feet thoroughly on a regular basis goes a long way in minimizing the risk of ulcer formation and infections. Always consult your physician when you encounter something suspicious.
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