Search:

Taking Care of Your Feet

By: Julia Hanf Roughly a fifth of hospitalized diabetics suffer from foot related problems. A diabetic's foot can be the cause of other major cases. Atherosclerosis is an example of blood flow problem in the legs that can make a diabetic's foot susceptible to injuries and infections.

It would be difficult for a diabetic to feel with his foot if he has neuropathy, which causes nerve damage. If not treated accordingly, it will lead to other complications which will cause infection and skin breakdown.

Close monitoring of a diabetic's foot would lessen the risks of possible complications. It's best practice to notify a doctor when there are observed changes and abnormally slower healing pace for open wounds on the foot.

Check if the foot becomes dry, cracked, and starts to peel. It may present to us another issue. These are signs that there's a problem with the nerves that are responsible for the foot to produce moisture. Cracks and peels pave the way for bacteria and to get in and cause more problems. One can use petroleum based lotions or salves to add moisture to the foot to prevent cracks. Do not put lotion between the toes, though, because too much of this may lead to infection.

Untreated calluses can harden, become thick and can develop into an ulcer. When a callus is discovered and cannot be softened at home with the aid of a pumice stone, a physician needs to be alerted.

Open sores or ulcers often develop around the bottom of the big toe and at the ball of the foot. Sometimes, it's because of wearing shoes that are too tight. It also develops on the sides, top or heel of the foot. Redness is a symptom of skin breakdown, and diabetics should watch for it since ulcers can cause infections that may lead to lower limb amputations. There are cases wherein a diabetic wears a cast to lessen the pressure on the foot to avoid open sores from getting bigger or the infection from increasing.

Here are some tips on how to prevent the aforementioned issues from taking place: Monitor your sugar level. Stay fit. The legs and feet are strained due to the extra weight you may have. It would also be a little difficult to check your foot closely if you have a big bulge. Regularly inspect your feet or ask assistance from someone. Use smooth socks and not bunched when put on. Inspect shoes for foreign objects; the effects of the smallest obstruction can lead to catastrophic effects. Always wear something to protect your feet. You might step on something and cause open wounds. Check the temperature of the water bath with your hands first. If there are problems with the nerves on your feet, you won't be able to feel if you're already burning or not. Do not use heating pads on the feet. Make sure that after taking a bath your feet are dried well, especially between the toes. Quit smoking. Poor blood circulation, caused by smoking, increases the risk of nerve damage and slow healing.

Have a podiatrist trim toenails, trim calluses, and remove corns, to eliminate the risk of infection. If the nerves on your foot have difficulty in sensing, never do it on your own.

Diabetics should keenly observe their feet for any sign of irregularity to prevent hospitalization for foot related issues and even the amputation of the lower limb.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated