Diabetic Foot Ulcers And How To Prevent Them
Posted on June 28, 2010
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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes then you probably already know that it is quite common to suffer with diabetic foot ulcers. What starts off as a simple blister, or small cut, can quickly become infected and develop into a full-blown ulcer.
Unfortunately these infections can lead to serious complications and is the main reason why the amputation rate in diabetics is so high. But don’t worry; there are many treatments available to both prevent and treat foot ulcers.
Sensitive Feet
The main thing to remember is that diabetes means sensitive feet. It is very easy to damage the skin on your feet through something as simple as standing on a small stone, or from rubbing or irritation in your shoe.
Unfortunately your feet are less able to deal with these situations than the non-diabetic due to a couple of reasons; nerve damage which leads to a loss of sensation, and restricted blood flow and circulation.
Diabetes And Nerve Damage
One of the reasons why you may not notice a sore or small cut on your foot is because of a loss of sensation. High blood-sugar level actually damages our nerve endings, causing a loss of sensation in your extremities (feet).
If your feet can’t tell your brain that you are hurt, then it is harder for to take immediate action. So, it is always recommended to pay close attention and make frequent foot inspections (preferably daily).
If you have impaired vision or movement then it is always best to ask somebody to help you out with this.
Another simple solution is to make sure that your feet are always protected and comfortable inside your diabetic socks and shoes.
Diabetes And Restricted Blood Flow
Another problem caused by the health condition is the narrowing of the arteries that take the blood to the feet.
Narrowing of the arteries is usually caused by a build up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries, preventing the blood from flowing normally, and resulting in poor blood supply. When there is a poor supply of blood, this stops an area with sores from healing properly and the infected area can become much worse.
So once again, prevention is definitely the best form of cure. Try to take note of the foot core tips above.
Click here to read more about diabetic foot care.
Age, Diet And Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Try to bear in mind that the narrowing of your arteries and nerve damage can be greatly accelerated if you smoke and/ or suffer from high cholesterol due to a poor diet.
Generally speaking, it goes without saying that non-smokers and people with a healthy, balanced diet lead a higher quality of life. These two factors are also very important in avoiding diabetic foot ulcers, and are definitely worth seriously considering.
It is also worth noting that the risk of these sores can be increased if blood sugar level is not properly kept under control. Also, your age and length of time you have suffered from the diabetes will contribute to the level of risk of the infections developing.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you are at all worried by the health of your feet then it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. It is also important that you book regular checkups and inspections with your physician/ podiatrist.
As long as blood pressure and cholesterol are kept well under control, this should prevent sores from appearing in the first place. And of course if you see any signs of other foot problems like corns, bunions, cuts or bruises, you should go to the doctor to get them checked out.
Diabetic Socks
Never underestimate clean feet and nails should be kept short. Wearing shoes without socks should be avoided, and socks should not be tight fitting.
Diabetic socks are made especially to help improve circulation in your lower legs and feet. They are typically made from cotton and are designed to be loose fitting. They have no tight elastic or seams at the toe. Anti bacterial socks are also available that help to keep the feet clean and dry.
While the chance of suffering from diabetic foot ulcers can be greatly reduced through proper diabetic foot care and footwear, the risk never completely goes away.
But with the correct prevention techniques and regular checkups with your physician there is absolutely no reason to worry!
Just one last tip: Always remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist before choosing creams or ointments to self-treat sores.
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