Diabetes is associated with a number of complications. Diabetic foot is a term that describes a complication of diabetes caused by cardiovascular and neurological damage in the lower limbs. A reduction in sensation of the feet predisposes persons with diabetes to frequent injuries. Poor blood supply complicates the problem further since the healing of these wounds is significantly delayed and they develop into chronic ulcers. There are a number of things on diabetic foot care Scottsdale residents should know.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
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.
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.
Keep your feet moistened at all times. This will help prevent excessive drying and cracking. As you do this, keep the spaces between the toes as dry as possible so as to keep away fungal infections. Socks greatly help in maintaining this moisture. The socks should be clean, dry and well fitting. If too, tight, there is a risk of compromised blood supply. Ensure that you change the socks daily.
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can undertake. Regular exercise is among them. The exercise will help improve circulation in the lower limbs and will also lower sugar levels. Cessation of smoking is another important measure. This is because nicotine is one of the major components of tobacco. It has an inhibitory effect on wound healing and may increase the risk of non-healing ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
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.
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.
Keep your feet moistened at all times. This will help prevent excessive drying and cracking. As you do this, keep the spaces between the toes as dry as possible so as to keep away fungal infections. Socks greatly help in maintaining this moisture. The socks should be clean, dry and well fitting. If too, tight, there is a risk of compromised blood supply. Ensure that you change the socks daily.
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can undertake. Regular exercise is among them. The exercise will help improve circulation in the lower limbs and will also lower sugar levels. Cessation of smoking is another important measure. This is because nicotine is one of the major components of tobacco. It has an inhibitory effect on wound healing and may increase the risk of non-healing ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
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