DIABETIC FOOT CARE

One reason for concern

Ulcers, infections and gangrene are the most common foot problems faced by patients with diabetes. As a result of these problems, thousands of diabetic patients end up with amputations every year.
There are two main causes of diabetic foot problems:
1 Nerve damage (neuropathy): causes loss of sensation in the sole, which normally protects the sole from injury. In addition, nerve damage causes deformity of the toes, drop in the arch of the foot and dry skin.
These problems can develop into lower limb ulcers and infections, which can quickly lead to gangrene (tissue necrosis) and amputation. Nevertheless:
GOOD CARE OF THE FOOT DOES PREVENT ULCERS AND INFECTIONS.
2 Circulation loss (ischemia): This may be more difficult to treat. If blood circulation is insufficient, gangrene and amputation may be unavoidable. Nevertheless:
GOOD HEALTH CARE OFTEN DELAYS THE NEED FOR AMPUTATION.

DO IT TO PROTECT YOUR FOOT

EXAMINE YOUR FEET EVERY DAY

• Use your eyes and hands or ask for help from a family member.
• Check the spaces between the fingers.
• Use a mirror for your foot.
• Look carefully for the following DANGEROUS SIGNS:

SWELLING (especially new, growing, or affecting one foot).
REDITY (may be a sign of a painful pressure point or infection).
Make a foot scan so that we can see the high pressure points and protect the feet from ulcers and injuries with specially shaped soles after a foot press and of course the instructions of the specialist doctor specialized in the foot.
BUBBLES (perhaps a sign of friction or a painful pressure point).
SMALL INJURIES OR CUT OR HEMORRHAGE (can be infected).
NAIL PROBLEMS (can rub against the skin, cause ulceration and become infected)
LIQUID FINGER SPACES AND PYON

• If you notice any of the above dangerous signs, Contact your doctor immediately.

YOU EXAMINE YOUR SHOES EVERY DAY

• Check the inside of your shoes, using your hands, for:
  ANOMALIES (hard areas, seams)
  FOREIGN BODIES (stones, nails)

DAILY WASHING AND FOOT CARE

• Wash your feet daily.
• Avoid water that is too hot or too cold
• Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially in the areas between the toes.
• If your skin is dry, use a small amount of moisturizer on the skin.
• Use sheep wool (NOT cotton) between the fingers to keep these areas dry).

PUTTING SHOES AND SOCKS

• Make sure your shoes and socks are NOT TIGHT.
• It must have more space and be made of soft leather (the upper part) that “breathes”.
• New shoes should be taken off after 5-10 minutes to check for REDNESS, which may be a sign of excessive pressure. If there is redness, do not wear the shoe again. If there is no redness, check again every half hour on the first day you put them on.
• Change your shoes.
• Ask your doctor about medical (prescription) shoes, which are covered by most diabetes insurance plans.

• A graduate prosthetist-podiatrist is the specialist who will manufacture and adapt the shoes for diabetics.
• Tell the shoe store seller that you are diabetic.

Medical care

• Ask your doctor to examine your feet and shoes at each visit.
• Call your doctor as soon as you notice any of the dangerous signs mentioned above.

DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS ACTIONS
1 DO NOT WALK WITH BARE FEET

• Sharp objects or uneven surfaces can cause cuts, blisters and other injuries.

2 DO NOT USE HEAT ON THE FEET

• The heat can cause severe burns, especially if there is a loss of sensation.
• DO NOT leave your feet in hot water for a long time.
• DO NOT put heaters on your feet.

3 DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR HARMFUL OBJECTS TO REMOVE YOUR BUNIONS

• Bubbles may be cut and / or contaminated.

4 DO NOT CUT YOUR NAILS ROUND AT THE EDGES

• Cut your nails straight.

5 DO NOT SMOKE

• Smoking prevents oxygen from reaching your feet.

REMEMBER: “One gram of prevention is preferable to one pound of treatment.” It takes 20 times more energy to close a wound than to keep a foot healthy.