People with diabetes are more prone to develop various foot problems. For diabetics, these can lead to serious complications if not managed early. This can be avoided by having the feet checked at least once a year by a foot doctor. It is very important to have a podiatrist in the health care team aside from the physician managing the blood glucose levels.
The individual should also inspect the feet on a daily basis for any blisters, cuts, sores, or red spots and must consult the foot doctor if any of these things are found. There is a risk of developing serious foot infection in people with diabetes. Guarding against infection is vital for diabetics. The most basic way to prevent cuts or blisters is by wearing well fitting shoes and socks at all times. Also, make it a habit to check inside the shoes for gravel or any object that can cause foot injury before wearing them. Do not walk barefoot.
Dry skin is also a frequent problem. Other skin conditions that can occur are corn, calluses, fungal infections, and cracked skin. A thin coat of lotion can be used to keep the skin soft and moisturized. Use this only over the tops and bottoms of the feet, not between the toes. Calluses must be managed by a podiatrist because these can lead to open wounds.
Keeping the feet clean daily is very important. Use water at room temperature along with a mild soap and dry the feet thoroughly especially between the toes after washing. Avoid ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of curved.
Avoid smoking as this raises the chances of developing foot problems. This may lead to poor blood circulation and poor healing.
Another potential problem is nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy. Around 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, the most common of which is peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms may be mild tingling of the feet, numbness, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, arms, and fingers. The risk increases with age and the duration of diabetes.
In many cases, peripheral neuropathy is also due to vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins can cause damage to the nerve tissues, causing painful neuropathy of the extremities. If any symptoms are felt, see a foot doctor immediately for proper management. Taking supplements are also important in the treatment and prevention of neuropathies.
The individual should also inspect the feet on a daily basis for any blisters, cuts, sores, or red spots and must consult the foot doctor if any of these things are found. There is a risk of developing serious foot infection in people with diabetes. Guarding against infection is vital for diabetics. The most basic way to prevent cuts or blisters is by wearing well fitting shoes and socks at all times. Also, make it a habit to check inside the shoes for gravel or any object that can cause foot injury before wearing them. Do not walk barefoot.
Dry skin is also a frequent problem. Other skin conditions that can occur are corn, calluses, fungal infections, and cracked skin. A thin coat of lotion can be used to keep the skin soft and moisturized. Use this only over the tops and bottoms of the feet, not between the toes. Calluses must be managed by a podiatrist because these can lead to open wounds.
Keeping the feet clean daily is very important. Use water at room temperature along with a mild soap and dry the feet thoroughly especially between the toes after washing. Avoid ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of curved.
Avoid smoking as this raises the chances of developing foot problems. This may lead to poor blood circulation and poor healing.
Another potential problem is nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy. Around 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, the most common of which is peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms may be mild tingling of the feet, numbness, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, arms, and fingers. The risk increases with age and the duration of diabetes.
In many cases, peripheral neuropathy is also due to vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins can cause damage to the nerve tissues, causing painful neuropathy of the extremities. If any symptoms are felt, see a foot doctor immediately for proper management. Taking supplements are also important in the treatment and prevention of neuropathies.
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