Overview
Diabetic Foot Problems:
The two main diabetic foot problems are:
Diabetic Neuropathy:
This diabetic foot problem is developed when nerve damages caused by diabetes lead to numbness in the feet, making hard for a diabetic to feel irritation, soreness or infection on their feet.
Due to this lack of sensation, a diabetic develops higher risk of getting cuts, sores and blisters.
In such a case, a diabetic may end up developing ulcers and even gangrene (death of tissue due to lack of blood).
Peripheral Vascular Disease:
When fatty deposits and calcium builds up in the arteries’ walls, it leads to a diabetic foot problem known as peripheral vascular disease.
Numbness or weakness in legs, especially while walking and painful cramps in hips, thighs or calf muscles are some of its symptoms.
Some other diabetic foot problems are calluses, corns, athlete’s foot, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, plantar warts.
Diabetic Foot Treatment:
Diabetic foot treatment can be either surgical or non-surgical depending upon the severity of the condition:
Non-surgical diabetic foot treatment includes cleaning and dressing of wounds, wearing immobilization devices such as a total contact cast or cast boot.
Surgical diabetic foot treatment is opted for when non-surgical diabetic foot treatment fails to cure diabetic foot problems.
Surgical diabetic foot treatment options include removal of dead tissue, amputation, arterial bypass for peripheral vascular disease, and endovascular surgery with placement on stents.
Diabetic Foot Care:
The most important thing that comes under the diabetic foot care and that every diabetic should do, whether or not they have any foot problem, is seeing a podiatrist (a foot doctor) in every 2 or 3 months.
Another important thing under diabetic foot care that every diabetic should ensure is to keep their feet healthy.
Other tips under diabetic foot care include:
• Examine your feet daily and check for injuries • In order to prevent any infection, make sure to wash your feet everyday with warm water • Trim nails carefully • Protect feet from extreme temperatures • Wear comfortable and closed-toe footwear • Do not walk barefoot • Moisturize your feet but not between your toes – it could lead to a fungal infection • Wear dry, clean and comfortable socks • Most important, take care of your diabetes. Always keep your blood sugar levels under control • Do not smoke
If you wish to know more about diabetic foot care or have some queries regarding your diabetic foot problem or want to be informed about diabetic foot treatment, then please reach out to us on our helpline number 1800-123-445555.
A daily foot routine
1. Look at both feet every day, including between the toes and the soles. Use a mirror or ask a family member if your parent cannot bend. 2. Wash gently with lukewarm water, checking the temperature with your elbow, and dry carefully between the toes. 3. Moisturise the skin but not between the toes. 4. Trim nails straight across, or ask a nurse or podiatrist to do it if vision or grip is poor. 5. Check inside shoes before wearing them for stones or rough seams. 6. Never walk barefoot, even at home, and never use hot water bottles or heaters on numb feet.
Shoes and socks
Choose closed, soft shoes with a wide toe box and good grip, with soft seamless socks. Buy shoes in the afternoon, when feet are slightly swollen. Cushioned insoles can reduce pressure points when a doctor agrees; see insoles for foot pain and diabetic foot care at home.
Warning signs
A cut or blister that does not heal, a red, hot or swollen area, a black or blue patch, a foul smell, new numbness or sudden pain needs a doctor the same day. Small wounds can turn serious quickly in diabetes. See diabetic foot ulcers: prevention.
Keep the sugar in range
Good blood sugar control protects nerves and blood vessels; see diabetes at home after 60.
When to ask a professional
A podiatrist or diabetes doctor should check the feet at least once a year, and every visit if there is numbness, deformity or a past ulcer. Our care advisors can arrange a visit and the right footwear.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Why are diabetic feet at risk?
High sugar can damage nerves, so injuries go unnoticed, and it can narrow blood vessels, so wounds heal slowly.
How often should the feet be checked by a doctor?
At least once a year, and more often if there is numbness, deformity or a past ulcer.
Is it safe to cut corns and calluses at home?
No. Leave them to a podiatrist or doctor, and never use sharp tools or corn plasters.
Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?
Often yes, with good sugar control, daily checks, proper shoes and prompt care for any wound.
Sources and further reading
- International Diabetes Federation, diabetes and foot care materials
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes
- NICE guideline NG19, Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management
Tags: Diabetic Foot #Health #Diabetesdiabetic footfoot careneuropathydiabetes complicationsConditions and devicesBlood glucose meter with stripsCushioned insoles and heel padsHealth monitoring devicesJoint and pain support
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
