Dont Underestimate Your Feet

The lifetime risk of a person with diabetes developing a foot ulcer may be as high as 25%

 

Let’s start by asking ourselves just how often do we check are feet for any potential complications. There are a good amount of diabetics that try to stay ahead of their diabetes with blood glucose testing, insulin, exercising and healthy eating habits.  But feet seems to be last on the list for some.

Now there a number of things that make a diabetic foot unique and considering your feet are an extremely important organ of the human body, there are certain thing to watch for to help prevent any serious issues. Diabetes can cause issues with the circulation of blood, skin, nerves, and sometimes even bones and joints.  As you can see any one of these problems should not to be taken lightly and should be attended to as soon as possible. If the condition worsens to a certain point severe health issues can arise.  Some resulting in gangrene, painful disfigurement, and ulcers which are infected.

General inspection

A careful inspection of your feet in a room that is well-lit should always be done after the shoes and socks have been removed. Because inappropriate diabetic foot care and foot deformities are common contributory factors in the development of foot ulceration, the shoes should be inspected and the question “Are these shoes appropriate for these feet?” should be one of the first questions asked. Examples of shoes not to be worn include those that are clearly over worn or are too small, too narrow, or too short for the person’s feet. In that case the foot would be rubbing which could lead to erythema, blister, or callus.

Despite the fact that there are numerous likely health problems, sustaining proper circulation can help decrease your chance in acquiring complications, and can be achieved easier then one would think, in a lot of cases wearing the correct diabetic socks could make the difference needed. Here are things to do and not to do:

Things to do!

•     Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.
•     Keep blood sugar under control.
•     Eat a proper diet that is healthy and low in cholesterol.
•     Keep your feet warm.

Things NOT to do!

•     Smoke
•     Drink excess coffee or alcohol.
•     Become lazy, motionless, physically unproductive

Hopefully your feet will stay healthy but in the event that you experience unusual feelings or pain its suggested to get in contact with your physician immediately. In particular internists and podiatrists are the specialists that treat foot problems.