Diabetes Foot Care - Every 30 Sec, A Diabetic's Leg is Amputated - How to Make Sure Yours is Not One
Diabetes Foot Care - Every 30 Sec, A Diabetic's Leg is Amputated - How to Make Sure Yours is Not One
By Ganesan Subramanian
Ezinearticles.com
With the onset of diabetes disease, an afflicted person can develop several kinds of foot problems. After the onset of diabetes, foot problems typically occur as a result of diminished or complete loss of sensation in the foot called neuropathy or as a result of poor circulation of blood flow to the lower leg, foot and toes.
The effects of diabetes related neuropathy include possible foot sores, or ingrown toenails, walk with a stone or nail in their shoe, develop a blister or other problem and, because of a lack of sensation, not discover the problem until the foot has become infected.
If little sores aren't taken care of, you risk making them worse. Also, they could turn into ulcers (serious, deep sores). If these ulcers become infected, you may have to go to hospital or, in very serious cases, have a foot amputated (removed).
It may start with a callus, a small blister, a corn, a cut, or a scrape. There is often a risk that seemingly trivial problems can signal the onset of open sores or ulcers. The human foot teems with bacteria and fungi, and the ulcers quickly become infected. And since the blood supply is so low, the immune system can't send its normal reinforcements.
A predominant reason behind the cause and spread of the infection is bacteria. Bacteria enter the skin conveniently through the cracks and fissures that are developed in the dry skin around the heels, corns and other regions of the foot . This in turn causes a slow and steady damage to the skin, tissue and bone in the various parts of the body.
Ulcers/ cuts/ wounds with poor blood supply do not heal easily. This signals the onset of more serious problems such as gangrene. In extreme cases, the foot may need to be amputated. However, you can often prevent foot ulcers by taking care of your feet.
Is it possible to prevent foot amputation related to the onset of diabetes disease? Yes, certainly! Research studies show that up to 85% of these amputations are preventable by proper foot care, with relatively low investment.
You can prevent the loss of your leg to diabetes through amputations by following these simple foot care tips:
1. Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, and cracks. Pay special care to the areas between the toes. To checking the sole of your feet, use a small mirror.
2. After a bath, dry your feet properly, especially between the toes. There is a greater possibility of bacterial infection, when your feet are wet.
3. Trim toe nails with a nail trimmer. Cut them straight across, and not too short.
3. When you go out, always wear shoes made of breathable material like leather. Avoid pointed toe boxes. The toe boxes of your shoes should be sturdy enough to protect your toes from possible injury, while walking. Do not use high-heeled shoes. In most of us, each of our feet differ in size. Hence, always buy custom made shoes. Your shoes should not be too tight or too loose.
4. While ordering for custom made shoes, take the measurement in the latter part of the day, as your feet swell a little during the day. And when you take the measurement in the evening, your feet will be at their maximum size.
5. Do not wear shoes, without socks.
6. Sweat accumulation inside the shoes breeds bacteria and fungus. Hence wear cotton socks with sweat absorbent & evaporative, infection prevention and cushioning properties.
7. Wear socks even inside your house, to protect your feet from injury.
8. Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving blood circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-round well being.
9. In case of corns and calluses, visit a doctor for their possible removal. And do not attempt it do it by yourself.
10. If you're a smoker, remember that smoking reduces blood circulation to the legs which reduces sensation in the feet which could lead to a possible loss of limbs.
11. And last but not least, keep your blood sugar under control.
Follow these 11 precautions, meticulously, and enjoy the rest of your life with both your feet intact, despite the onset of diabetes.
To download a Free booklet on Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Care, visit: http://www.PediCareSocks.Com
Ganesan Subramanian, the author, developed speciality socks for diabetics when his friend's father, a diabetic, died, after a minor cut in his foot developed into gangrene, leading to foot amputation and finally, death.
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