Diabetes foot care is critical due to the risk of nerve damage and decreased blood flow, which makes foot injuries more difficult to heal and resist infection. Follow these guidelines to avoid serious foot problems that may necessitate amputation. To learn more, contact a Bakersfield diabetic foot care specialist.
How is a diabetic foot different from a normal foot?
Diabetic feet differ from normal feet due to musculoskeletal, dermatologic, vascular, and neurological changes. These changes can include decreased joint mobility, foot deformities (such as hammertoes or claw toes), and increased forefoot pressure, all of which put patients at risk for ulcers and tissue breakdown.
Dermatologic changes, decreased perspiration, and an increased risk of ulcers due to neuropathy and decreased blood flow are all examples of diabetic foot complications. In severe cases, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can result in tissue loss and gangrene.
The tibial, superficial peroneal, deep peroneal, sural, and saphenous nerves innervate the foot. Diabetes neuropathy is a common neurological complication of diabetes that causes sensory and motor dysfunction in small and large nerve fibers. Reduced sensations and foot pain are among the symptoms.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy begins in the toes and progresses upward, resulting in a stocking-glove pattern of decreased sensation. Muscle weakness may occur later. Charcot neuroarthropathy is a severe complication that causes joint collapse and deformities. To avoid ulceration and amputation, early detection and treatment are critical.
Things you should do for foot care:
Follow these guidelines to avoid serious foot problems that could result in toe, foot, or leg loss: Bathe feet in lukewarm water with a soft washcloth, moisturize feet (except between toes), cut nails carefully, avoid self-treatment of corns or calluses, wear clean, dry socks, and consider special socks for diabetes patients.
To prevent complications, wear socks to bed if it is cold, inspect shoes before wearing, keep feet warm and dry, consider using antiperspirant, avoid walking barefoot, control blood sugar levels, quit smoking to improve blood flow, and get regular foot exams from a specialist.
Why go to a specialist?
Choosing a foot and ankle surgeon is advantageous because they are leading experts in foot and ankle care, with specialized education and training. They are board-certified surgical specialists who can treat a variety of conditions, including diabetic foot care procedures.
Final thoughts:
Diabetic foot care should be taught to all diabetic patients. Identifying at-risk feet, daily exams, patient and family education, appropriate footwear, and prompt treatment of pre-ulcerative lesions are all part of prevention.
