General Information On Diabetic Foot Care Scottsdale Residents Should Know
Diabetes leads to a number of acute and chronic complications. Among the chronic complications is what is described as diabetic foot. This condition is characterized by frequent injuries of the feet that lead to non-healing wounds. The main underlying problems are a reduced perception of pain and compromised blood supply. Taking good care of your feet helps reduce the risk of these problems. If they have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several things on diabetic foot care Scottsdale residents should know.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
It is important to perform inspection of your feet at home daily. The physician (or nurse) should also schedule examination of the same feet at regular intervals. Due to reduced sensation that is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, one may suffer from injuries such as burns, cuts and bruises without knowing. Identifying any of these injuries in time will make it possible for helpful interventions to be undertaken.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Ill-fitting shoes have been identified as a common cause of complications among persons with diabetes. Ensure that you have shoes that do not exert excessive pressure on your feet as this will increase the chances of ulcer formation. Visit a podiatrist (foot doctor) to help you in choosing the right shoe type for your case. This is especially important for persons that already have problems such as hammer toes, bunions and flat feet.
Ensure that your feet are well moisturized to avoid cracking. Even as you do this, dry the area between your toes completely to keep fungal infections at bay. Putting on socks not only protects the feet from injury but also helps maintain the moisture. Make sure that the socks are clean, dry and well fitting. If too tight, they may interfere with circulation. Change them on a daily basis.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
It is important to perform inspection of your feet at home daily. The physician (or nurse) should also schedule examination of the same feet at regular intervals. Due to reduced sensation that is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, one may suffer from injuries such as burns, cuts and bruises without knowing. Identifying any of these injuries in time will make it possible for helpful interventions to be undertaken.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Ill-fitting shoes have been identified as a common cause of complications among persons with diabetes. Ensure that you have shoes that do not exert excessive pressure on your feet as this will increase the chances of ulcer formation. Visit a podiatrist (foot doctor) to help you in choosing the right shoe type for your case. This is especially important for persons that already have problems such as hammer toes, bunions and flat feet.
Ensure that your feet are well moisturized to avoid cracking. Even as you do this, dry the area between your toes completely to keep fungal infections at bay. Putting on socks not only protects the feet from injury but also helps maintain the moisture. Make sure that the socks are clean, dry and well fitting. If too tight, they may interfere with circulation. Change them on a daily basis.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
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