When your body uses sugar for fuel, doctors will say that you have developed diabetes. While this condition can create an impact on most parts of the body, it will create an impact on your legs and feet as well.
While diabetes can slow down the blood flow in your feet, there can be nerve damage as well in your feet. There can be the development of peripheral vascular disease, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy as well.
You must consult a podiatrist, as you need to treat diabetic foot problems immediately. While podiatrists will try to analyse and diagnose your issues, you will receive early treatments.
When podiatrists take early steps for diabetic foot, you will know that those steps are essential for you, as you live with diabetes.
You must try to know everything about the treatment of diabetic foot. As you know such things, you will be able to protect your feet from further complications in the long run.
Reasons for Diabetic Foot Treatment
There are several reasons for diabetic foot treatment, which are narrated in this blog for readers.
Diabetes Can Lead to Diabetic Neuropathy
When you have diabetes, you will know that you can develop diabetic neuropathy. It is a condition that can affect the nerves in the legs and feet. While there will be loss of sensation in your feet, there will be tingling and numbness in your legs.
While numbness can bring its own set of complications, numbness may seem preferable to foot pain. You will be unable to feel the pain from blisters, or injuries, you will know that you have no feelings in your feet.
There can be escalation of major foot issues if podiatrists cannot detect and treat minor foot issues arising from diabetes. There can be development of foot infections and ulcers as well. There can be tinkling and burning sensation, and nerve damage as well.
Diabetes Affects Blood Circulation
When you have diabetes, your blood circulation in the legs and feet will be affected. Your wounds in the legs will not heal, as there will be poor circulation of blood in your legs. The wounded area in your legs will not receive enough nutrients and oxygen as well.
There can be a chance of development of high risk of infections as well. As there is reduced blood flow, it will delay healing. There will be muscle weakness, cramping, and a high possibility of development of peripheral artery disease.
Podiatrists will suggest certain types of diabetic foot care, which will help you to heal from such a condition. They are:
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Taking insulin to manage blood sugar levels
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Wearing compression stockings
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Taking medicines
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Undergoing treatments for varicose veins
Development of Peripheral Nerves
There can be damage to peripheral nerves, as the consistent elevation of glucose can affect your feet and legs. There can be several types of foot complications, which can occur due to reduced sensation in feet.
There can be numbness, pain, increased sensitivity, tingling sensations, and reduced ability to feel cold and hot sensations, as you experience peripheral nerve damage in feet due to diabetes.
You will not feel small bumps, cuts, and bruises, as you do not have sufficient sensation in your feet. While there can be significant problems, the tiny injury may go unnoticed.
Affecting Blood Vessels in Feet
When you have diabetes, the blood vessels in your feet can affected in a bad way. There can be problems in your feet, as there is reduced blood flow. While small cuts will take time to heal, there will be no generation of sufficient blood flow in your legs.
If the treatment of diabetic feet is not done in a proper time, there can be the development of diabetic foot ulcers as well. There can be a development of soreness in your feet as well. If the diabetic foot is not treated properly, the foot ulcers can lead to serious infection.
Treatment Procedure
Podiatrists will say that it is necessary to undergo diabetic foot care treatment properly. It will help you to keep your feet in good shape and keep the condition away.
Dry and Wash your Feet
You must keep your feet dry for a long time. While you can use warm water, and mild soaps, your feet’ skin should be dry. While you will need to dry your feet, you should pat your skin and not rub it.
While you need to stop the cracking of your feet, you can use lotion. You may also sprinkle non–medicated powder, as you put on your shoes and socks. You will need to keep your feet dry as well.
In the winter season, you will need to take extra care of your feet. While you will need to wear socks in bed, you will need to moisturize your feet in a better way.