Diabetic Foot Care

The Ultimate Guide

Diabetic feet refer to the range of foot problems that can occur in individuals with diabetes, a condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar properly. Diabetes can lead to various complications, particularly in the feet, due to its impact on circulation and nerve function.

What do we mean by Diabetic feet?

Diabetic feet refer to the range of foot problems that can occur in individuals with diabetes, a condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar properly. Diabetes can lead to various complications, particularly in the feet, due to its impact on circulation and nerve function. These complications can range from minor issues, such as dry skin and calluses, to more severe problems like ulcers, infections, and in extreme cases, amputation. Proper foot care is crucial for people with diabetes, as even small injuries can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately.

Diabetic foot issues

Diabetic foot problems arise mainly due to two key complications of diabetes: peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetes can damage the nerves, particularly in the extremities like the feet. This nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain, heat, or cold. As a result, minor injuries, such as cuts, blisters, or pressure sores, may go unnoticed and untreated, leading to more severe complications.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Diabetes can also cause the blood vessels to narrow and harden, reducing blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation means that injuries and infections heal more slowly, increasing the risk of ulcers and other serious foot problems. In severe cases, PAD can lead to tissue death, requiring amputation.

Common Foot Problems in Diabetic Individuals

Foot Ulcers: Open sores or wounds that occur mainly on the bottom of the foot. They can develop from minor injuries and may become infected if not treated promptly.
Infections: Reduced sensation and poor blood flow can make it easier for infections to take hold, particularly in wounds or ulcers.
Calluses and Corns: Thickened areas of skin that can form due to pressure or friction. In people with diabetes, these can become ulcerated if not properly managed.
Charcot Foot: A rare but serious complication where the bones in the foot weaken and fracture, leading to deformity.

Protecting diabetic feet and preventing issues

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Management and treatment

Preventative care and early detection are key to managing diabetic foot issues:

Regular Foot Examinations: Individuals with diabetes should inspect their feet daily for any signs of injury, redness, swelling, or changes in skin colour. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, especially a podiatrist, are also crucial.
Proper Foot Hygiene: Keeping the feet clean and dry helps prevent infections. Moisturising the feet daily can prevent dry skin and cracking but avoid applying lotion between the toes where moisture can accumulate and cause fungal infections.
Footwear: Wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes is essential to avoid pressure points, blisters, and other injuries. Specially designed diabetic footwear can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of ulcers.
Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining good control of blood glucose levels is critical in reducing the risk of diabetic foot complications. Proper management of diabetes helps prevent nerve damage and poor circulation.
Prompt Treatment of Foot Issues: Any cuts, blisters, or other foot injuries should be treated immediately to prevent infection. If an ulcer or other serious problem develops, seeking medical attention quickly is essential.

Diabetic feet require careful management to prevent complications that can significantly impact quality of life. By maintaining good diabetes control, practising diligent foot care, and regularly consulting healthcare professionals, individuals with diabetes can greatly reduce their risk of serious foot problems. Early detection and treatment of any issues are critical to preventing severe complications, such as infections or amputations, and ensuring long-term foot health.