Diabetes is the commonest chronic metabolic conditions worldwide. The condition is associated with numerous complications both in the short term and long term. Diabetic foot is a term that describes a number of complications that affect the lower limb after some years of diabetes. Loss of sensation and reduced blood flow to the feet (and the leg in general) lead to frequent injuries that culminate in chronic ulcers. If suffering from diabetes, there are a number of facts on diabetic foot care Scottsdale patients should know.
The starting point of preventing complications is to ensure that the blood sugar levels are well controlled. Taking oral hypoglycemic medication (or insulin) as prescribed by your physician should is a must. Make sure that you monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis to ensure that the drugs are indeed having a beneficial effect. Honor appointments with your physician so that any existing problems can be identified early.
You need to develop a habit of regularly inspecting your feet. This is because you may be unaware of injuries sustained due to the damage on your peripheral nervous system. The damage to this system reduces your perception of pain. When you identify these injuries early, you get an opportunity to intervene early and prevent progression of foot damage. A magnifying mirror is often necessary to view to lower part of the foot.
Once the foot has been affected, there are a number of things that can be done. In case of an active infection, oral antibiotics are often adequate except in cases where the infection is extensive. In the latter instance, intravenous antibiotics in an inpatient facility are often used. Most wound care centers adopt a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with this problem. Such a team would comprise a physician, a surgeon, a nutritionist and a nurse among others.
You need to choose your shoes carefully. They should be well fitting with a soft inner soul that does not exert excess pressure on the feet. A podiatrist (foot doctor) can give you the best recommendations. If you have a preexisting problem such as flat feet, hammertoes or bunions you will need a prescription for shoe inserts.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
You need to make some changes to your lifestyle so as to reduce the risk of diabetic foot. One of the changes should be to start engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercise achieves its effects in two main ways: reducing the levels of blood sugar and improving circulation. The other important step is to abstain from smoking. Nicotine (found in tobacco) impairs circulation and increases the risk of ulcer formation.
Diabetic feet are among the most serious complications of diabetes. If not treated in good time, the condition may progress and even lead to amputation of affected limbs. Examining the feet thoroughly on a regular basis goes a long way in minimizing the risk of ulcer formation and infections. Always consult your physician when you encounter something suspicious.
The starting point of preventing complications is to ensure that the blood sugar levels are well controlled. Taking oral hypoglycemic medication (or insulin) as prescribed by your physician should is a must. Make sure that you monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis to ensure that the drugs are indeed having a beneficial effect. Honor appointments with your physician so that any existing problems can be identified early.
You need to develop a habit of regularly inspecting your feet. This is because you may be unaware of injuries sustained due to the damage on your peripheral nervous system. The damage to this system reduces your perception of pain. When you identify these injuries early, you get an opportunity to intervene early and prevent progression of foot damage. A magnifying mirror is often necessary to view to lower part of the foot.
Once the foot has been affected, there are a number of things that can be done. In case of an active infection, oral antibiotics are often adequate except in cases where the infection is extensive. In the latter instance, intravenous antibiotics in an inpatient facility are often used. Most wound care centers adopt a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with this problem. Such a team would comprise a physician, a surgeon, a nutritionist and a nurse among others.
You need to choose your shoes carefully. They should be well fitting with a soft inner soul that does not exert excess pressure on the feet. A podiatrist (foot doctor) can give you the best recommendations. If you have a preexisting problem such as flat feet, hammertoes or bunions you will need a prescription for shoe inserts.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
You need to make some changes to your lifestyle so as to reduce the risk of diabetic foot. One of the changes should be to start engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercise achieves its effects in two main ways: reducing the levels of blood sugar and improving circulation. The other important step is to abstain from smoking. Nicotine (found in tobacco) impairs circulation and increases the risk of ulcer formation.
Diabetic feet are among the most serious complications of diabetes. If not treated in good time, the condition may progress and even lead to amputation of affected limbs. Examining the feet thoroughly on a regular basis goes a long way in minimizing the risk of ulcer formation and infections. Always consult your physician when you encounter something suspicious.
About the Author:
When you are hunting for the facts about diabetic foot care Scottsdale locals can pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://scottsdalefootcareaz.com/services/ now.. This article, Specific Benefits Of Diabetic Foot Care Scottsdale Residents Need To Know is available for free reprint.
No comments:
Post a Comment