Diabetes doesn’t only affect blood sugar it impacts almost every part of your body, and your feet are particularly vulnerable. Diabetic individuals must be vigilant about foot care because nerve damage and reduced blood circulation make feet highly prone to infections and injuries. Diabetic foot health requires an understanding of how diabetes impacts foot health, and it involves taking consistent steps each day to protect your feet and prevent common complications.
How Diabetes Affects Foot Health
Diabetes can cause two main issues in the feet:
- High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, resulting in numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. This can make it hard to detect small cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infections. With diabetic foot health, it’s essential to monitor for any loss of sensation to catch injuries early.
- Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the feet. This reduced circulation slows the healing of any cuts, sores, or blisters. Without proper blood flow, even minor injuries can progress to serious infections, and in severe cases, conditions like gangrene, where tissue dies from lack of blood supply, may develop. In some cases, untreated gangrene may lead to amputation, highlighting the importance of proactive foot care.
Foot Complications Related to Diabetes
Understanding potential foot complications is essential in supporting diabetic foot health. For example, gangrene is a condition where blood flow to the feet stops entirely, leading to tissue death. Warning signs of gangrene include swollen foot and legs, severe pain, black discoloration, and sores that may bleed. Immediate medical attention is critical if any of these symptoms appear to prevent further complications.
Another serious condition to be aware of is Charcot foot. This rare complication occurs when nerve damage alters the foot’s shape, sometimes causing bones and joints to collapse. Charcot foot usually develop gradually over time with long standing uncontrolled diabetes and sometime quickly in a short time, so it’s essential to watch for symptoms such as foot pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in one foot. Early detection is vital in maintaining diabetic foot health and preventing permanent deformities or further issues with mobility.
Daily Foot Care Routine for Diabetic Individuals
- Make it a habit to inspect your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. If needed, use a mirror or ask for help to check hard-to-see areas, like the soles of your feet, to ensure nothing is missed.
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, dry thoroughly (especially between toes), and apply lotion avoiding between the toes to prevent infections.
- Throughout the day, remember to elevate your feet and wiggle your toes to improve circulation once in 1 to 2 hours, which is crucial for diabetic foot health. These simple movements can help reduce the risk of circulation issues.
- To protect your feet, avoid walking barefoot, even at home. Always wear shoes and diabetic-friendly socks indoors to prevent injuries from unnoticed objects or surfaces.
- Keep your toenails trimmed straight across to avoid ingrown nails that may lead to infections. After trimming, gently smooth any sharp edges with a nail file for added safety.
Importance of Footwear in Diabetic Foot Care
- Look for shoes with adequate cushioning around the heel and arch, which helps distribute pressure and reduces the risk of blisters. This is especially important for diabetic foot health, as it minimizes areas of irritation.
- Shoes that are too tight or narrow can create pressure points. Choose shoes with enough space for your toes and buy them in the afternoon, when feet are more swollen, to ensure a comfortable fit. Avoid high heels or pointed-toe shoes, as they can crowd the toes and increase pressure.
- New shoes can sometimes cause friction, so wear them for short periods initially to avoid sore spots. Gradually breaking in shoes is a simple but effective way to protect sensitive areas of your feet.
- Soft, flexible insoles made from non-leather materials can be especially comfortable for diabetic feet, as they add extra cushioning and prevent rubbing.
To Sum-up
By following these daily practices, you are actively protecting your feet and promoting overall well-being. Paying regular attention to diabetic foot health can make a substantial difference in managing diabetes and preventing complications. Regular foot care and appropriate footwear choices are essential for protecting your feet and managing diabetes effectively. If you notice any unusual symptoms or persistent issues, such as swelling, sores, or changes in skin colour, be sure to contact your doctor promptly to prevent further complications.
