Many people don’t know that diabetic foot ulcers are the top injury leading to extremity amputation. Because of this, it is important for diabetics to understand how to care for their feet and take on meticulous preventative measure in their daily routine. Diabetic foot care also requires thorough knowledge of what risk factors lead to amputation.
According to Footulcer.info.com, some of the warning signs that foot ulcers could occur are:
- Having diabetes or being overweight
- Redness or “hot spots” on the bottom of feet
- Calluses or corns
- Lack of feeling or sense of touch on the foot’s bottom
Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by high forefoot pressure on from tight calf muscles and lack of feeling in the foot. Nerve damage, which is usually caused by diabetes, in turn causes the tendons to tighten and reduces the sense of touch causing diabetic ulcers foot damage. If these diabetic ulcers get inflicted or infected, it can lead to amputation.
There are some things that you can do to prevent these diabetic ulcers. First, do not attempt any exercises that are beyond your capabilities. Some stretching exercises can also be injurious to your bones, muscles, and tendons. So, be sure to consult a medical professional before attempting any exercise or stretching techniques. You may get referred to a physical therapist to learn about proper stretching techniques.
If ulcers are caught in the early stage of their formation they can be prevented. Redness or calluses on the bottom of the diabetic’s foot is an indication that diabetic foot ulcers may form.
Diabetic Toe Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers that appear on your toes commonly appear in the nail bed when a toe nail cuts into the skin or an ingrown toenail has been recently removed. Ulcers may form on the tips of toes where your foot rubs against your shoes or anywhere that bones protrude and rub against shoes, socks, or bed sheets. Many of these problems can be solved with the use of appropriate diabetic footwear.
Diabetic Ulcers Treatment
Diabetics should examine their feet daily, whether they are having nerve problems or not. When doing this look for cuts or sores, and check for warning signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, dry cracks, corns, calluses, tenderness, slow healing, dry cracks, or loss of sensation. Go see a physician promptly if you have any of these symptoms or diabetic ulcers on your feet.
In caring for your feet, you should wash and dry them carefully. Pay particular attention to the areas between your toes. Use talcum powder, and keep your toenails trimmed and smooth. Conditions such as corn, calluses, and athlete’s foot should be treated by professionals when you have diabetes. Do not cut corns or calluses on your own. Any kind of infection is dangerous and could trigger diabetic foot ulcers.
Make sure that your physician is examining your foot at least every year, and every 6 months if you are at a high risk for foot conditions. Your doctor will check for sensation and foot pulses. You should also ask for advice on getting diabetic footwear.
Diabetic ulcers are not limited to your feet. Another major diabetic ulcer condition is diabetic leg ulcers. These usually occur in diabetic people who have blood circulation or nerve problems, renal kidney problems, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking. Medical treatment for all of these types of ulcers may include antibiotics, anti-clotting medications, topical wound care, and compression garments.
Related articles: Diabetic Back Pain | Diabetes Retinal Damage | Diabetic Carbuncles | Diabetic Foot Problems | Diabetic Ulcers on Feet | Diabetes Chronic Renal Failure | Diabetic Boils | Diabetic Pressure Ulcers | Short Term Complications of Diabetes | Diabetic Complications | Diabetes and Hyperglycemia | Diabetic Amputation |
