Diabetes leads to a number of acute and chronic complications. Among the chronic complications is what is described as diabetic foot. This condition is characterized by frequent injuries of the feet that lead to non-healing wounds. The main underlying problems are a reduced perception of pain and compromised blood supply. Taking good care of your feet helps reduce the risk of these problems. If they have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several things on diabetic foot care Scottsdale residents should know.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
Persons suffering from diabetes need to inspect their feet daily. The reduced sensation may mean that you will not be aware of cuts, bruises or burn injuries until they have become infected. The regular inspection will help one identify the injuries early enough so that treatment can be initiated in timely fashion. You may need to use a magnifying mirror to inspect the bottom of the feet.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Choose your shoes carefully. Improper shoes may exert pressure on various point on the feet and increase the chances of ulcer formation. To get recommendations on what would best apply in your case, you may need to seek the services of a foot doctor ( podiatrist). This is particularly import if you have preexisting foot conditions such as hammertoes, bunions or flat feet.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
The biggest contributor to any diabetic complication is uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The team that is involved in the management of the problem should, therefore, stress on the need to keep these levels within the acceptable range. Compliance to anti-diabetic medication and appointments with the doctor are important components of managing blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring (using a glucometer) will help in determining the optimal drug dosage.
Persons suffering from diabetes need to inspect their feet daily. The reduced sensation may mean that you will not be aware of cuts, bruises or burn injuries until they have become infected. The regular inspection will help one identify the injuries early enough so that treatment can be initiated in timely fashion. You may need to use a magnifying mirror to inspect the bottom of the feet.
For persons that already have wounds on their feet, treatment with the right antibiotics is needed. Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient for most cases. Admission to wound care centers may be needed in cases where the infection is extensive. In such centers a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians, surgeons, nutritionists and nurses is adopted. Dead tissues have to be debrided (surgically removed) and the wound covered with special dressings so as to facilitate faster healing.
Choose your shoes carefully. Improper shoes may exert pressure on various point on the feet and increase the chances of ulcer formation. To get recommendations on what would best apply in your case, you may need to seek the services of a foot doctor ( podiatrist). This is particularly import if you have preexisting foot conditions such as hammertoes, bunions or flat feet.
Moisturizing your feet protects them from cracking. As you do this, make sure that the moisturizer does not get trapped between the toes because this will predispose to fungal infections. A clean and dry pair of socks helps in maintaining the moisture. Be careful not to put on socks that are too tight because they may interfere with blood supply. Change them daily.
Lifestyle changes also play a role in the prevention of this condition. Regular exercise, for instance, improves circulation in the limbs and lowers blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the chances of healing. If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Cessation of smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of formation of ulcers.
Diabetic feet are one of the most feared complications of sustained high glucose levels in blood. When this problem goes unchecked it often leads to amputation of the affected limb. The importance of regular examination of feet at home and at a hospital or clinic cannot be overemphasized. Consult your physician as soon as you notice an abnormality.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about foot doctor in Scottsdale, pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://scottsdalefootcareaz.com/ now.
No comments:
Post a Comment