Today's topic is diabetic foot, do you know this disease?
The name already gives the hint, the diabetic foot is a condition derived from diabetes, which requires specific treatment with a multidisciplinary team and special care for patients with the disease.
In addition to all the complications generated by being a chronic disease, the problem is even more aggravated by affecting, mainly, the elderly, who usually have reduced visual acuity and mobility difficulties.
Another aggravating factor is the occurrence of domestic accidents, which are quite common in this age group, and we all know that any wound for those suffering from diabetic feet represents a great risk of serious sequelae such as ulcerations or, in extreme cases, amputation of the lower limb.
As podiatrists, we have seen many patients with foot ulcers and other sequelae of the disease.
Only those who go through an extreme situation like this know how painful and traumatic it is. It's also very difficult for us, after all, we do everything to avoid the suffering of our patients.
Along with these data is the increasing number of people who suffer from disorders related to bad eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, placing the disease in a very worrying clinical picture.
In order to avoid conditions of this gravity, we have prepared this matter. Our objective is to show that the diabetic foot is a condition that needs special attention, but that with an individualized and systemic treatment, the patient can live with the disease and enjoy a normal life.
We want to help you easily identify your symptoms and then start treatment procedures as soon as possible so that the illness does not have serious consequences.
-> Read also: Do you feel pain in your feet when you wake up?
Diabetic Foot Symptoms
Did you know that the foot is one of the limbs that suffer most from diabetes?
But be aware that not every diabetic has diabetic feet and that the diagnosis of a diabetic foot must be made by a professional.
The diabetic foot has vascular problems, is more sensitive, has thinner skin, extremely dry and difficult to heal. Even some patients, at a more advanced stage of the disease, lose sensation and do not notice when something is hurting their foot.
In addition, patients often have foot deformities such as bunions, claw toes, hammer toes, as the patient usually steps with the tip instead of using the base of the toes.
These characteristics are specific and need follow-up, periodic evaluation and individual guidance. The problem is chronic, but if treated correctly, the patient has a normal life and can live with the disease without major problems.
Thus, it is necessary to include special daily care in the life of the person with the disease. There is little caution when it comes to health, isn't it?
Diabetic Foot Care and Prevention - Footwear is essential
It may seem like an exaggeration, but the regular use of inappropriate shoes can lead to long-term complications, such as an ingrown, bunion spur, for example. And in the case of diabetics, it is even more essential to pay attention to shoes, as there is a risk of the appearance of lesions, which is always a major problem.
That's why we've put together some simple suggestions for diabetic foot sufferers:
- Footwear should be comfortable, rounded and the correct size, as the person may not feel it when it is tight, which can lead to unwanted injuries.
- Prefer to buy shoes at the end of the day, a time when the feet tend to be more swollen, avoiding buying tight shoes.
- Always check that there are no stones, sand or any object inside the shoe before putting it on.
- Wear seamless socks as the bulge over the toes can injure and cause ulcers. Or put them inside out as it also reduces friction with the sock seam.
- Prefer white cotton socks and avoid synthetic fabric.
- Dry well between your toes, use a paper towel or a hair dryer with cool air.
- Sit down, place a small mirror under your feet and observe it every day to notice changes in color, dryness or bruises, as most of them are elderly and have difficulty in mobility, this measure helps to notice changes in the feet and prevent future problems.
- Cut the nails with pliers only to length and file the sides, NEVER use pliers or sharp piercing to remove cuticles or corns and calluses.
- Moisturize your foot: skin, nails and cuticles, daily after bathing and using water-based creams to prevent slipping.
- When you notice a wound, quickly consult a specialist you trust, to prevent it from developing into a local ulcer.
- If you have vision problems, ask someone to check your feet daily.
Treatment with a specialist
How can a podiatrist help me if we are talking about diabetes?
The doctor treats the disease as a whole and often indicates the podiatrist, who has a fundamental role in the prevention, monitoring and control of foot diseases. The main objective of the podiatrist is to offer quality of life and well-being to people and especially those who have foot problems and need special care.
Unfortunately, we have already witnessed many patients with serious consequences of lack of care and as we know, diabetes is a health disorder that impairs circulation and the healing process, which can even lead to amputation of the affected limb.
We are talking about a chronic disease that has no cure, but with proper treatment and following the specialist's guidelines, it does not have serious consequences and it is possible to live with the disease without major changes in routine.
That's where we can help you! Years of study and our experience have helped many people to avoid complications from diabetic foot disorder.
Our treatment consists of scientifically proven recommendations, but the patient also needs to commit to their clinical improvement following the specialist's guidelines and also acquiring healthy habits such as good nutrition, regular exercise, in addition to the continuous control of diabetes and of blood pressure.
We hope that the article has clarified your doubts about the diabetic foot and the daily care that will help you to better deal with the disease.
