The American Diabetes Association (ADA) lists amputations and foot ulcers as the leading causes of morbidity and disability for the patients with diabetes also of which have a high cost both physically and emotionally. Diabetes can be dangerous when it comes to your feet, as a matter of fact even just a small cut can have a serious consequence. It is mostly associated with damages to your nerve as a result taking away the feelings in your feet.
It can also reduce the amount of blood flowing to your feet which will make it hard to heal any injury that you may or to resist an infection. As a result of these problems, it might be impossible for you to notice even a foreign object when it is in your shoes. In that case, it could lead to the development of a blister or a sore.
As a patient with diabetes, you can delay or even prevent the onset of more severe outcomes through patient education, early recognition and managing the independent risk factors for the ulcers and amputations.
The current Diabetic foot care focuses mainly on prevention. Such preventive strategies include the collaboration of patient education which consists of prophylactic skin, foot, and nail care. Stressing the importance of protective footwear is also part of the diabetic foot care goal. As a patient, you opt to know the importance of routine care and screenings for your foot. They can help you to prevent complications such as foot ulcers of which when left untreated could ultimately result in amputation.
Patients with diabetes need to know the value of diabetic foot care making sure that they receive an annual foot examination and establish a day to day foot care routine. The routine should include inspecting and cleaning your injuries if there are any, cuts, skin changes or scrapes. If you come across any foot problem, then it is recommended that you seek medical attention. For you to avoid any serious foot problems which could result in losing a toe, foot or even a leg, patients with diabetes can follow the guidelines below
Daily feet inspection
It includes checking your feet for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness or even any problems with your nails. To make this practice easier, you can use a magnifying hand mirror to help you look at the bottom of your feet. Do not hesitate to call the doctor when you notice anything.
Bathe your feet
Keep your feet all the time each day by washing them but always remember to use lukewarm instead of hot water to soak the feet. Lukewarm water is the kind of temperature that you would use to bathe a newborn baby.
Be gentle with your feet
It entails more especially when you are washing your feet. It is recommended that you use a soft washcloth or a sponge when doing so and then afterward carefully drying it between the toes by blotting or patting.
Moisturize your feet
You can use a moisturizer daily on your feet to keep any dry skin from itching even so from cracking. Just avoid moisturizing between your toes as it could lead to fungal infection.
Ensure to do that straight across then file the edges. Just do not cut the nails too short as it could result to an ingrown toenail. When you have any concerns about your nails, make sure to consult your doctor.
Make sure to be changing them daily. You can get socks that are made specifically for diabetic patients. This kind of socks will provide you with an extra cushioning, lack elastic tops and are much higher than your ankle which is made from fibers that remove moisture from your skin.