How To Care For Foot Problems From Diabetes in Dubai UAE or anywhere else in the world.
Foot Problems Associated with Diabetes
A serious complication of diabetes is foot infections that do not heal. Diabetes limits the blood to nerves of the feet and limits the ability of the body to fight infection. This can cause death of tissue in the foot. Symptoms of a diabetic foot infection include swelling, redness and pain. Ulcers on the sole of the foot may also occur. If left untreated, the foot will turn black and smell as the tissue dies. Treatment of foot infections includes antibiotics and possible hospitalization for surgical removal of infected tissue. Immediate attention by a doctor is needed for any diabetic foot problem. For more information about foot problems associated with diabetes and managing your risk, please consult a physician.
Caring for your Feet with Diabetes
It’s important to take special care of your feet when you have diabetes. Poor care can lead to serious problems – such as amputation. Diabetes affects your feet in two ways. Nerve damage may cause your feet to lose feeling. If this happens, a simple cut or sore can go unnoticed and lead to problems. Nerve damage may also change the shape of your feet causing pressure points. Blisters, sores and foot ulcers may form in these areas. Additionally, poor blood flow to the feet causes injuries to heal more slowly.
What You Can Do to Care for Your Feet
One of the most important things you can do is keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. A 10-year study published in 1993, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, proved that keeping blood sugar as close to normal as possible can reduce the risk of nerve damage by up to 56%. The following simple steps of foot care can help:
Check your feet every day. Look at the tops and bottoms. Look for scratches, cracks, cuts or blisters, especially between the toes and around the heal. Check for ingrown toenails, corns, calluses and sores. Also look for changes in color, temperature or shape.
Wash your feet every day with mild soap and luke warm water. It should be 90 to 95 degrees F. Do not soak your feet. Soaking can cause your skin to dry and crack. Gently dry your feet, especially between the toes. Keep skin from cracking by rubbing a thin coat of oil, lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not apply BETWEEN your toes. Use a little powder if your feet sweat.
Take care of your toenails. Cut your toenails after bathing when they are soft and easy to trim. Cut toenails straight across and smooth with an emery board.
Take care of corns and calluses. Gently rub corns and calluses with a pumice stone after you have washed your feet. This will take away extra skin that has built up. Do not use corn removers, callus removers, razor blades or knives on corns or calluses.
Protect your feet. Do not walk barefoot, even indoors. Use a sunscreen on the tops of your feet in summer. Break in new shoes slowly. Wear new shoes for only 1 or 2 hours at time. Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes. Socks made of cotton or wood feel the best. Wool socks are good for keeping your feet warm and dry.
Keep your blood flowing well. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking decreases blood flow to the feet. Keep blood sugar and blood fat levels normal. Exercise every day. Keep your feet warm, but don’t use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet. Don’t wear tight garters or socks.
What’s next?
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