Treatment Care of the Diabetic Foot

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems caused by prolonged periods of high blood sugar. There are two main foot problems, each of which can have serious complications. 

Prolonged periods of high sugar levels in the blood can wreak havoc on many areas of the body, including the feet.

When to see a doctor

People who have diabetes should see a doctor regularly as part of their care. However, they should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the following:

• changes in foot skin color
• swelling in the foot or ankle
• temperature changes in the feet
• persistent sores on the feet
• pain or tingling in the feet or ankles
• ingrown toenails
• athlete's foot or other foot fungal infections
• dry and cracked skin on the heels
• signs of infection

Treatment

Treatment for diabetic foot problems varies according to the severity of the condition. A range of surgical and nonsurgical options is available.

Non-surgical treatment

Nonsurgical options are normally the first method of treatment for diabetic foot problems. Some of these include:

• Keeping wounds clean and dressed
• Immobilization devices, such as a cast boot or total contact cast
• Close observation of gangrene toes until self-amputation occurs, when the toes fall off due to lack of blood flow

Surgical treatment

When nonsurgical treatment fails to heal diabetic foot problems, surgery may be considered. Surgical treatment options include:

• Removal of decaying or dead tissue
• Amputation, varying from toe or part of the foot to amputation of the leg below the knee, or above the knee in some cases
• Surgical stabilization of Charcot's Foot
• Arterial bypass for peripheral vascular disease, or endovascular surgery with placement of stents

Diabetic foot care

Examining the feet daily and keeping them clean is recommended to prevent diabetic foot problems.
Preventing diabetic foot problems is essential for people who have diabetes. Keeping feet healthy is important, and a person should be vigilant about foot hygiene. They can take the following steps:

Check feet each day: Examine the feet daily, or ask someone to check for any changes or injuries.

Wash feet daily: Keeping feet clean helps to prevent infections.

Wear supportive shoes and socks: It is important to keep feet protected in socks and shoes at all times. A podiatrist may recommend shoes to help prevent deformities. Socks should not be too tight so as to restrict blood flow.

Promote blood flow to the feet: Putting feet up when sitting, wiggling toes periodically, and getting enough exercise helps promote healthy blood flow to the feet.

Trim nails carefully: Trim toenails straight across and keep them short. Rounded nails can cause ingrown toenails, which can lead to infection.

Care for corns and bunions: Treat corns and bunions carefully. Corns should never be shaved as this increases the risk of infection.

Protect feet from extreme temperatures: Exposure to hot and cold can damage diabetic feet.

Get feet checked regularly: Regular examinations by a doctor are key to preventing infections, amputations, and serious deformities.

Control blood sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugar raises the likelihood of podiatric complications from diabetes,

Avoid smoking: Smoking adversely affects the blood flow to the tissues.

Preventing diabetic foot problems

Diabetes can cause serious foot problems that can result in loss of the feet or limbs, deformity, and infections. However, many of these problems can be prevented or minimized.

While controlling blood sugar by following the recommended treatment plans is the best way to prevent these serious problems, self care and regular check ups with a doctor can prevent diabetic foot problems as well.

Source: medicalnewstoday

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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