Diabetic Foot Problems - Guidelines to Avoid Leg Ulcer And Amputation
People who are diabetic are more prone to a variety of health problems, which include diabetic foot problems. These foot problems are a major cause of hospitalization for millions of people, living in the United States, who suffer from diabetes. Studies indicate that approximately 15% of all the people who have diabetes suffer from diabetic foot problems, at some point or the other. Although this problem is common, it can be quite a serious one, as some of the most common diabetic foot problems include foot ulceration, infections and gangrene which could further lead to the amputation of a toe, a foot or even a leg. Fortunately, most diabetic foot problems are preventable by taking proper foot care.
Foot Care Guidelines For Diabetics
In case you are diabetic, you should make it a point to visit a doctor or a podiatric surgeon regularly. A medical healthcare provider would be able to help you with certain diabetic foot care guidelines that can prevent most diabetic foot problems:
- One of the first things that your doctor will ask you to do is to inspect your feet carefully, on a daily basis. You need to be able to pick out lesions, bleeding or blisters on your feet immediately, as the sooner they are treated, the better it is.
- Wash your feet everyday, using warm water and some mild soap. Do not run hot water over your legs and test the temperature of the water with your hands first, before pouring it on your feet. Avoid soaking your feet in water for a long period of time.
- You could use a pumice stone and an emery board, to take care of the hygiene of your feet, but never remove your calluses. Avoid the use of any sharp instruments or chemicals that are harsh.
- Before wearing socks, you should apply generous amounts of petroleum jelly, lanolin lotion or any cream, on your foot. This will keep the skin moisturized, preventing dry and cracked heels
- Make sure that your toenails are neat and trimmed and cannot cut into any of your toes. Be careful not to cut yourself, while trimming your toenails.
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, as it reduces the flow of blood to your feet.
- Never walk about barefoot, no matter where you are walking. Before wearing a shoe, check it carefully, for foreign objects, sharp edges and tears.
Many diabetics suffer from loss of sensation in their feet and hence there are numerous shoe companies that manufacture diabetic shoes, especially for them. Therefore, in case you are prone towards diabetic foot problems, it is best for you to use special and tailor made diabetic shoes or orthotics.