Diabetic foot is an term that covers a variety of foot problems in patients with diabetes.
What causes diabetic foot?
Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk for diabetic foot.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Diabetes can also decrease the body's ability to fight infection.
When diabetes is not well controlled, damage to the immune system is likely. Foot problems commonly develop in people with diabetes and can quickly become serious.
What does it feel like?
Diabetic foot issues may be characterized by:
Sores and blisters: Normal sweat oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired in diabetic patients. These factors can lead to abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot. This may lead to a breakdown of the skin of the foot and sores or blisters may form.
Pain: Every day cuts, blisters, sores, or other blemishes may cause more than average pain to the diabetic patient.
Damage to the immune system and blood vessels makes it difficult for diabetics to heal properly. If injuries -- like sores -- become infected, antibiotics have difficulty treating a diabetic body. The body's poor blood flow makes it difficult for the antibiotics to reach the infection site.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): Due to damage to the nervous system, a person with diabetes may not be able to feel his or her feet properly. Those with diabetic foot may also have difficulty distinguishing from hot and cold temperatures.
Swelling: Poor circulation due to diabetes can cause feet to swell.
How do I know if I have diabetic foot?
If you are a diabetic patient who experiences loss of feeling in your feet, notices changes in your foot's shape, develops ulcers and sores on your feet (which may have difficulty healing) you may have diabetic foot.
A physical examination by your doctor can confirm that you have diabetic foot issues.
How is diabetic foot treated?
Patients with diabetic foot should:
Manage your diabetes: Make healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood sugar regulated.
Communicate with your doctor: Ask your doctor to check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet at least once a year. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect infection.
Check your feet daily: You may have foot problems that you may not be aware of. Check your feet for cuts, sores, swelling,infected toenails, or other abnormal blemishes. Pay close attention to wounds, as infection can result.
Wear proper footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that fit properly to protect your feet. Wear loose socks for further protection, but do not wear tight socks or garters. This may further restrict blood flow. Never go barefoot -- even in your home.
Exercise: Regular exercise will improve bone and joint health in your feet and legs, improve circulation to your legs, and will also help to stabilize your blood sugar level
Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates damage to blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation. This is a major risk factor for foot infections and ultimately amputations.
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