A Glimpse Into Diabetic Foot

Hope you found my article on diabetes for elders useful and informative (http://daycare.sulekha.com/care-corner_know-about-diabetes-in-elders_blog_7600). High sugar level could not only bring about a fall in the quality of life, but could also cause damage to the nerves, kidney, eyes and blood vessels. It could also bring down the immunity level of the body and bring about most significantly problems in the feet that could become serious and even lead to amputation of a limb.

Know about diabetic foot:

When the nervous system is damaged a person with diabetes is able to find that the normal sweat secretions and oil production that lubricate the skin of the foot are impaired; this causes abnormal pressure on the skin, bones and joints of the foot and leaves sores and breakdown of skin on them.

This could lead to infection of various types that could also lead to gangrene and amputation of the foot or leg as the poor blood flow makes it difficult for antibiotics to reach the site of infection. The spread of infection to the blood stream can be life-threatening. So people with diabetic foot problems should recognize and be aware of how to prevent foot problems; the reduction of sugar level in the blood seems the best way to prevent diabetic foot and its complications.

Causes for diabetic foot:

The first cause of diabetic foot is the wearing of poorly fitting shoes by the diabetic. The diabetic could have red spots, corns, blisters, sore spot and consistent pain while wearing shoes; this calls for immediate change of the footwear to properly fitting ones. In case the diabetic has common foot abnormalities like flat foot, bunion or hammertoes, prescription shoes or shoe inserts may be necessary.

Poorly controlled diabetes could lead to accelerated hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis that leads to poor circulation in the injured tissues. This leads to poor healing of wounds.

Long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes puts a person at a higher risk of damage of nerves to the foot. Known as peripheral neuropathy, the diabetic may be unable to feel their feet normally; they are unable to sense the position of their feet while walking and balancing. Considering nerve damage, a diabetic may not properly sense minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, blisters, and signs of abnormal wear and tear that turn into calluses and corns and foot strain.

Smoking can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the feet and legs and disrupt the healing process and is a major risk factor for infections and amputations. The importance of smoking cessation cannot be overemphasized.

Any trauma to the foot can increase the risk for a more serious problem to develop.

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin or toenails, can lead to more serious bacterial infections and should be treated promptly.

Ingrown toenails should be handled right away by a foot specialist. Toenail fungus should also be treated.

So it is necessary that diabetics learn how to examine their own foot and look for signs and symptoms of diabetic foot. They should also learn how to manage routine foot care at home and seek doctor and emergency treatment in case of need.