Diabetes leads to a number of acute and chronic complications. Among the chronic complications is what is described as diabetic foot. This condition is characterized by frequent injuries of the feet that lead to non-healing wounds. The main underlying problems are a reduced perception of pain and compromised blood supply. Taking good care of your feet helps reduce the risk of these problems. If they have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several things on diabetic foot care Scottsdale residents 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.
It is important to perform inspection of your feet at home daily. The physician (or nurse) should also schedule examination of the same feet at regular intervals. Due to reduced sensation that is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, one may suffer from injuries such as burns, cuts and bruises without knowing. Identifying any of these injuries in time will make it possible for helpful interventions to be undertaken.
Once the foot becomes infected, there are a number of things that can be done medically. Oral antibiotics are usually effective in most cases. Admission to a wound care facility may be needed if the infections are widespread. Intravenous antibiotics can be administered in such a facility and other specialists can be brought on board to help with the management. In many cases, there is a need to remove (debride) dead tissues from the foot so as to facilitate faster healing.
You need to choose your shoes carefully. They should be well fitting with a soft inner soul that does not exert excess pressure on the feet. A podiatrist (foot doctor) can give you the best recommendations. If you have a preexisting problem such as flat feet, hammertoes or bunions you will need a prescription for shoe inserts.
Ensure that your feet are well moisturized to avoid cracking. Even as you do this, dry the area between your toes completely to keep fungal infections at bay. Putting on socks not only protects the feet from injury but also helps maintain the moisture. Make sure that the socks are clean, dry and well fitting. If too tight, they may interfere with circulation. Change them on a daily basis.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
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.
It is important to perform inspection of your feet at home daily. The physician (or nurse) should also schedule examination of the same feet at regular intervals. Due to reduced sensation that is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, one may suffer from injuries such as burns, cuts and bruises without knowing. Identifying any of these injuries in time will make it possible for helpful interventions to be undertaken.
Once the foot becomes infected, there are a number of things that can be done medically. Oral antibiotics are usually effective in most cases. Admission to a wound care facility may be needed if the infections are widespread. Intravenous antibiotics can be administered in such a facility and other specialists can be brought on board to help with the management. In many cases, there is a need to remove (debride) dead tissues from the foot so as to facilitate faster healing.
You need to choose your shoes carefully. They should be well fitting with a soft inner soul that does not exert excess pressure on the feet. A podiatrist (foot doctor) can give you the best recommendations. If you have a preexisting problem such as flat feet, hammertoes or bunions you will need a prescription for shoe inserts.
Ensure that your feet are well moisturized to avoid cracking. Even as you do this, dry the area between your toes completely to keep fungal infections at bay. Putting on socks not only protects the feet from injury but also helps maintain the moisture. Make sure that the socks are clean, dry and well fitting. If too tight, they may interfere with circulation. Change them on a daily basis.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
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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