Unfortunately, diabetes is an increasingly common disease. It is known to be related to the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body has difficulty producing enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, due to poor diet, obesity and being overweight, the body has difficulty using the insulin it produces, which is called insulin resistance.
Diabetes can cause problems in many parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves and legs. That’s why many people are surprised when their doctor pays special attention to their feet. This is because when nerves are injured, leg injuries can go unnoticed due to numbness. This increases the risk of infections and other related problems.
A foot injury can also affect the small muscles in the foot that control bone alignment. If the muscles are damaged, the bones can shift and deform the foot, which can cause pressure points and facilitate foot injuries.
To prevent this, it is essential to control and maintain blood sugar levels and take care of the feet in the first place. Unfortunately, diabetic foot problems are the leading cause of foot amputation, but take care of your feet and they will thank you.
But even with good blood sugar control, careful preventive monitoring is important. This is a situation where, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sad but true, diabetes and the foot problems it causes are the leading cause of leg amputation. That’s why foot care is so important for diabetics.
Get in the habit of inspecting your feet every day. Look for cuts, swelling, redness, blisters or any nail problems. If necessary, use a mirror to examine both feet. If you find any problems, follow the appropriate treatment procedure. However, do not attempt to treat serious problems such as corns or ingrown toenails. Instead, see your doctor immediately.
- Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet with lukewarm water (make sure the water is not too hot so you don’t burn yourself). Soapy water is recommended, but only after consulting your doctor. If you bathe your feet, use only a flannel or soft sponge to gently clean them. Also, when drying your feet, dry them thoroughly by patting them dry or wiping them with a sponge. Be sure to dry between the toes to ensure comprehensive diabetic foot care.
Here are some tips to keep your feet in good condition. Always wash your feet daily and dry them well, even between the toes. Do not wash your feet for a long time; bathing is also not recommended (cut calluses with a razor blade).
Never use chemical products to treat corns, calluses, or warts without first consulting your doctor. It is not advisable to walk barefoot, as you may injure your foot without realizing it, and never ignore foot pain. It is always a good idea to check the inside of your shoes to make sure that no seams or stitches have come undone. Avoid extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, as they can cause skin problems, and never use a heating pad on your feet.
Hope this information helps you. If you need any consultation you can visit podiatrist frederick MD.