Treatment & Managing Diabetic Foot
Diabetics are at high risk for nerve damage, infections, and circulation issues. Therefore, when these problems occur the feet are directly affected and lead to diabetic foot. An estimated 15% of diabetics will require an amputation of the foot or leg.
Diabetics are more prone to painful nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy.) Although neuropathy can have an impact on your entire body. These problems cause the skin to dry out and crack. Therefore, allowing fungi and bacteria to enter the body.
The disease needs to be properly managed. However, when it is not, diabetics can be affected. Typically by the loss of feeling and poor blood flow. This allows for small blisters and wounds to progress into a very serious infection. Eventually, leading to amputation.
Diabetic Foot Care:
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 84 million US adults have diabetes. Shockingly, 90% don’t even realize they have it. Over a third of the 84 million are in the prediabetic stage. And over the last twenty years, adults diagnosed with diabetes have tripled. Because Americans have become more overweight.
As mentioned before, we urge the importance of proper diabetic foot care. Without proper care wounds, infection, ulcers, and gangrene may occur. Consequently, it can lead to serious health issues and possible amputation. However, this can be avoided with proper treatment and footwear.
It’s important to inspect your feet daily for proper care.
Proper inspection should include the following:
- Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Trim your toenails regularly and carefully.
- Smooth out corns and calluses. However, be careful not to go too deep though.
- Examine the bottoms of your feet and toes.
- Search for cuts, bruises, blisters, puncture wounds, redness, ulcers, and scratches.
Diabetes is a very serious condition. and it should be treated as such. Your podiatrist will play a very important role in your overall health. This includes prevention to properly managing the disease.
If you have or expect you have diabetes and are experiencing:
- blisters
- ingrown toenails
- red spots
- skin abrasions
- sores
- calluses
- dry cracks
- fungal toenails
- swelling of the foot or ankle
- numbness in the feet or toes
- bleeding
- painful legs
- pain associated with shoes
Then contact our office immediately to make an appointment today at 888-409-8006. One of our specialists would be glad to help.
Also see, Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers.