Diabetes and foot problems go hand in hand. Most diabetics are diagnosed with foot-related issues and have to seek medical help as soon as possible. There are several diabetic symptoms that contribute to foot infection. For instance, patients with sugar problems normally experience bulky calluses that can grow into ulcers. Apart from this, another possible sign is bad blood circulation that has the ability to disturb the body’s capacity to repair, and heal.
Diabetes can also cause severe nerve injury that limits sensation. Due to nerve damage, the patient might not experience any pain of infection or injury, allowing lesions to go completely unnoticed and consequentially worsen. When a lesion is left untouched for a long duration of time, it can become infected.
Medical treatment normally comprises of hospitalization, antibiotics, and several other procedures. The feet are particularly susceptible to problems as they are hard to inspect and out of sight. For such reasons, it is very important that diabetics carry out rigorous foot care.
Here are a few things that can be done:
- Most foot problems can be avoided merely by selecting practical shoes. Opt for footwear with round toes and keep the heels low. Anything that is more than 3 inches must be avoided. People with flat feet must opt for shoes with an excellent arch support.
- Examine your feet regularly for any indication of blisters, calluses, injuries or sores. Make this a daily chore, maybe something you finish right after waking up and before going to sleep. Make use of a hand mirror to examine those difficult to view areas. If this does not work, have a loved one check them for you.
- Cut your nails on a regular basis and shape them to the curve of the toes and be very careful not to cut them too short.
Visit a reputed center for foot care annually for check-up. Also ask the doctors of they recommend any specific medication or products for enhancing the foot care regimen.