How to Avoid Diabetic Foot Problems

Perhaps one of the most common problems encountered by diabetics are conditions related to the feet and legs. Foot and leg problems can possibly lead to infection and serious complications. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves of the legs and feet. One familiar, if not universal complaint, among diabetics is numbness of the legs and feet. Some complain of pain, tingling or crawling sensation, heat, cold, and even the loss of feeling on the affected extremity. This is called diabetic neuropathy. The loss of feeling on the affected leg or feet can lead to other conditions, such as the vulnerability in getting a leg or foot ulcer.

Uncontrolled diabetes results to poor blood flow to the arms, legs and feet. This is referred to as peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease affects blood vessels away from the heart. As previously said, it is not impossible to those with neuropathy to get cut, wound, or ulcer on the legs and feet without noticing or feeling them. When diabetic peripheral vascular disease is present, together with neuropathy, the situation becomes serious. These breaks on the skin can be infected because of the loss of oxygen on the tissues, due to decrease or loss of blood flow. The tissues die (gangrene) and amputation is almost always indicated.

Other diabetic foot problems

Athlete's foot that is caused by fungus, results to itching, cracking, and redness of the toes and feet. Secondary infection, in athlete's foot, that is caused by bacteria is common. The nails can be affected. Calluses result from the build-up of hard skin on the dorsal or underside of the foot (commonly on the forefoot or heel) and they can result to cracks and wounds. Other conditions include: blisters, bunions, dry skin, hammertoe (weakened muscle and shorter tendon that can result to pain and difficulty in walking), ingrown toenails, and warts.

Common sense foot care in diabetes

Keep your sugar level within the range recommended by your doctor. Wash your feet everyday with mild soap and water. Keep your feet and toes dry after washing them. Check your feet everyday for sores, cuts, wounds, cracks, blisters, and redness. If the skin on your feet is dry, use hypoallergenic lotion. Use pumice stone to smoothen hard skin and calluses. Check and trim your toenails once a week (Do not round off the corners of your toenails. Just trim them straight across). Always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to avoid foot accidents. Always wear socks and stockings when wearing shoes. When sitting, wiggle your toes and move your ankles to stimulate and enhance blood flow. Stop smoking. Avoid alcohol. When you notice unusual pain, cracks that don't go away, change in color of the skin around the feet and toes, see your doctor.