Many complications are related to Diabetes including circulation problems, progressive damage to memory with age, diabetic foot, retinopathy, and others. A small wound, blister or foot infection can cause severe foot problems. This severity leads to foot ulcers and the foot may be amputated. High blood sugar level, blood circulation issues, and nerve damage obstructs the normal healing of the foot.
Appropriate precautions are needed to keep a healthy foot including blood testing, monitoring of blood sugar, recommended diet comprises of fruits and vegetables, exercise, and foot check by podiatrist once in a year.
Care to Maintain a healthy Foot:
Following are the guidelines given to aid you in protecting your feet. The tips provided should be adopted on the daily basis.
- Check Your Feet Daily:
Each day foot check is important, inspect all the areas thoroughly including top, heels, and soles. Use a mirror or ask your partner or friend for help. If you notice any cut, bruise, swelling, soreness, or bruise do not ignore and take advice from your consultant.
- Wash With Warm Water as Hot Water should Not be Used:
Diabetes causes nerve damage of the skin it affects the ability of a patient to sense the water so use your hand for checking the water temperature. Hot water or harsh soaps and solutions can damage the skin of your feet. Wash the feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soaps.
- Keep them Dry:
Moisture normally tends to develop between the toes and that is why people having diabetes are required to keep the feet dry. It will restrict the chances of the production and growth of infection.
- Moisture the Skin:
Use lotion, moisturizer, or oil to protect your feet from dryness and cracking. Do not apply lotion between your toes, it will encourage the fungal infection.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes:
It is suggested to wear comfortable and flexible footwear most of the time. Choose the footwear that has a soft sole and more room. Avoid wearing tight and high heel shoes as they might form the blisters. Socks offer an extra protection to foot so wear the socks at bedtime if your foot is cold. Depending on sweating, change your socks once or more than once in a day.
- Stop Smoking and Control the High Sugar level:
Smoking restricts the oxygen-rich blood to flow through your feet. The cigarette has chemicals that restrict the normal flow and damage the blood vessels. High blood sugar progresses the complications speedily, therefore, do not smoke and keep your sugar level in controlled range.
Visit Your Podiatrist:
Consult your podiatrist once a year or more if necessary. Report if you note any bruise, wound or foot pain. It is important to consult your podiatrist as these problems worsen quickly.
Dr Sami is an experienced podiatrist in Dubai-UAE. He is expert in treating nail and skin fungus, infections and ulcerations. You can also consult him for unexplained foot pain and other foot-related problems.
