Diabetic Foot Care Tips To Avoid Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent health disorders affecting millions and millions of people all over the world; a matter of fact is that the diabetic population may even double in number by the year 2030 according to the World Health Organization. Diabetes, when poorly controlled, can absolutely lead to debilitating and life-threatening complications.

One of the most common complications of diabetes is referred to as Diabetic foot. This condition is developed primarily as a result of poor blood sugar control and faulty foot care practices that could cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the feet. Diabetics often experience that tingling and burning sensation in their feet, which can cause a host of problems. People who develop this type of complication may suffer from various diabetic foot ulcers and infections that affect deeper tissues and even the bone structures; most of the cases would lead to losing a limb by amputation.

An ulcer on the foot or lower extremity will often not heal well, and diabetics are often unaware of foot ulcers because nerve damage and visual and circulatory problems make it difficult to detect them. Because of this as well as the risk of amputation, it’s important that you see a podiatrist regularly.

However, aside from strict control of the of the blood sugar levels, diabetic foot can also be prevented through healthy and effective diabetic foot care practices.

Here are some surefire ways to take care of the feet especially for diabetics:

1. Basically, it is important to inspect the feet every day for dryness of the skin or cracks because these minor skin disorders may be the culprit in developing diabetic foot ulcers later on.

2. Because most diabetics have less sensation on their feet especially in terms of heat because of neuropathy, it is best to skip exposure to heat like hot tub foot baths; or otherwise, it is best to check the temperature before having a dip.

3. One of the most important things to do in the prevention of diabetic foot is to invest in safe and proper footwear including the socks. It is best to choose shoes that are less likely to cause blisters and a pair, which provides adequate coverage of the entire foot.

4. When it comes to choosing the best socks for a diabetic, choosing one without seams and that are well padded are preferred.

5. Never ever go barefoot. When the feet have no protection, there is a great possibility of injuring the feet.

6. Always keep the skin on the feet dry especially in-between toes because this can cause breaks in the skin that may later cause it to be infected.

7. When a diabetic has calluses, corns or structural deformities like hammertoes, it is best to consult professionals for treatment; a podiatrist is the best person to go to.

8. Experimenting with the treatments may cause the foot problem to become even worse.

Orthotics or the use of proper and customized shoes and footwear is best recommended by Orthotists and Podiatrists because it can effectively protect the foot while a diabetic’s comfort is the top priority. No need to worry about fashion issues because some companies producing orthopedic shoes are now considering designs and styles that would fit the needs of each of their patients.

These are only some of the top diabetic foot care practices that every diabetic should know. Prevention will always be best rather than seeking for cure when diabetic foot has already been developed or worse, when a limb needs to be amputated because of the severity of the condition.

We offer a variety of diabetic foot care products including diabetic shoes and socks. Please call us today for more information.