It is very common for people with diabetes to get foot infections. That is why people with diabetes need to be aware of diabetic foot management guidelines. These guidelines can help patients with diabetes keep from getting foot infections as easily. It can also help them to know what to do if an infection does happen to arise. It is important to check for infections regularly so that if one does happen to occur, it can be treated as soon as possible before serious damage occurs. A severe infection can lead to amputation and it can even be fatal in some cases, so patients with diabetes should check their feet daily for signs and symptoms of infection.
There are many things that diabetic patients can do to help prevent foot infections. One of the simplest things to do is wear the proper footwear. Shoes should be the proper size, ensuring that they won’t leave blisters or cause open sores. They also need to have enough room for feet to get proper circulation. Shoes that are too small can be a serious problem for people with diabetes. There are also special socks that people with diabetes can wear to improve their circulation and protect their feet. Medical professionals can recommend these types of footwear for their patients as needed.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Infections
Patients can protect their feet and their bodies in many different ways. One thing that people with diabetes should do is check their feet daily for any symptoms of a foot infection. There are a few different symptoms that could indicate there is already an infection, or that an infection could be forming. These could include redness in the feet, swelling or pain of the feet and legs, loss of hair growth on the feet and lower legs, and fever. Anyone with these symptoms should seek out medical attention. It is best to get treatment for an infection as soon as possible to clear it up. This will stop an infection from getting more serious and spreading throughout the bloodstream.
An infection can be treated in many different ways. Medications such as antibiotics may be used. These medications will be prescribed by a doctor. It is also important to keep an infected area clean. Rest can also help. Try to stay off of the infected foot and keep it out of confined shoes and socks. Allow the body to heal itself.
