- Diabetes is a chronic condition that has been rising at exponential rates in India. It can be characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to a range of health complications. One often overlooked aspect of diabetes management even by doctors is foot care.
- Due to the increased sugar level, the feet are highly vulnerable in diabetic patients, and neglecting their care which is often the case can result in severe consequences. In this blog, we investigate the importance of foot care in diabetic patients and its role in helping the patient avoid complications and live a healthy life.
- Why are Diabetic Feet Vulnerable?
- Over time, diabetes causes nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that causes tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you start losing feeling in your feet, you may not feel a blister on your foot or a pebble inside your sock, which can lead to cuts and sores. Patients may not realize when they have a wound, which can lead to infections and complications.
- Diabetes also lowers the amount of blood flow in your feet. Not having enough blood flowing to your legs and feet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal. Sometimes, a bad infection never heals. The infection might lead to gangrene. It can also lead to amputation of your toe, foot, or part of your leg.
- These serious conditions like amputations and gangrene can be avoided through the following ways. FootHealth Plus is on a mission to do just that –
- Doing regular foot examinations as a diabetic patient can help you in:
- • Early Detection: Routine foot examinations by healthcare professionals can help identify potential issues before they escalate. This includes checking for calluses, blisters, corns, ingrown toenails, and signs of infection.
- • Monitoring Neuropathy: Regular assessments can track the progression of neuropathy, helping doctors tailor treatment plans to mitigate the loss of sensation in the feet.
- • Daily Foot Inspection: Diabetic patients should inspect their feet daily for any abnormalities. This helps identify problems at an early stage.
- • Proper Foot Hygiene: Regular washing and drying of feet, including the spaces between toes, can help prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
- • Moisturizing: Moisturizing dry skin can prevent cracks that might lead to infection.
- • Foot Massages: This helps in relieving tension, reduce stress, and promote circulation. Getting regular deep-tissue massages can lead to therapeutic benefits and increased mobility.
- • Trimming Toenails: Properly trimming toenails can prevent ingrown toenails, a common issue in diabetic patients.
- • Footwear: Wearing well-fitting, comfortable, and supportive shoes is essential. Patients should avoid going barefoot and opt for cushioned socks.
- Following these practices will drastically improve the living conditions of diabetic patients.
- When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Diabetic patients should promptly consult a healthcare professional if they notice any of the following:
- Persistent sores, ulcers, or wounds on the feet.
- Changes in foot colour, temperature, or swelling.
- Severe pain or loss of sensation in the feet.
- Ingrown toenails, corns, or calluses that are painful or infected.
- In conclusion, foot care is an essential component of diabetes management. Diabetic patients should be proactive in caring for their feet, as complications can be severe, including amputation. FootHealth Plus is a one-stop shop for your feet, it can help you in early detection, regular foot examinations, and adherence to proper foot care practices which are key to preventing these issues.
- Contact FootHealth Plus to integrate footcare into your daily routines, it will lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives while reducing the risk of devastating foot-related complications.
