6 Podiatrist Tips for Care of Diabetic Foot

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Galician podiatrists remember that diabetes has many types and, among other complications, it can lead to the so-called diabetic foot, which is an infection, ulceration or destruction of the deep tissues of the foot.

Colexio explains that diabetes is Leading Reasons for Non-Traumatic Amputations

in the lower limbs. “Early foot prevention is critical because the risk of serious complications in the foot increases significantly ten years from the onset of diabetes. That said, 40% of diabetic foot injuries are avoidable If they are diagnosed and treated early, as 25% of people with diabetes will suffer some type of foot injury during their lifetime,” the COPOGA president opined, Ana Requijo.

symptom

Colexio emphasizes that podiatrists should be health professionals who monitor the health of their patients’ feet and are appropriate to the patient’s risk profile.Galician Podiatrists point out that if the nervous system is affected (diabetic neuropathy) it can cause different symptoms in the feet, such as Tingling, pain, numbness, or lack of sensation, “This results in us losing the ability to feel the damage to the foot and therefore not being able to respond appropriately to this stimulation, making the condition worse.”

For example, podiatrists explain that this type of neuropathy can prevent diabetic foot patients from detecting objects within the shoe or even friction against the shoe itself, which can lead to lesions that can lead to infection or cause ulcers if not treated properly. . Can’t feel any pain. “Twenty percent of diabetic foot ulcers are caused by footwear,” says a diabetic foot specialist. Nawal Pereira

Is a member of COPOGA and a member of the National Diabetic Foot and Footwear Organization. They also emphasize that this can also occur with foot keratopathy (calluses and calluses), which can lead to ulcers if left untreated.

most serious case

When the disease affects arterial circulation (peripheral vascular disease), experts explain that the feet will not receive an adequate blood supply, so oxygen and nutrients cannot adequately reach the tissues, which will make recovery from injuries and infections more difficult. In very severe cases, when gangrene develops or ulcers do not improve with medical or surgical treatment, Colexio stresses, it may be necessary to amputate a toe or part of the leg.

Practical indications for diabetic foot patients from podiatrists

1. Check your feet every dayand watch for cuts, sores, red spots, blisters, ingrown toenails, corns, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, or hot areas.
2. Moisturize your feet Use a moisturizer containing urea regularly and maintain moisture.
3. Trim nails Use nail clippers to line up the lines and then file them flat.
4. Always wear shoes and socks. Shoes should be kept dry and ventilated, and socks should be changed daily. It is essential to see a podiatrist so that he can tell the patient which footwear to use depending on the level of risk.
5. Protect yourself from heat and cold. At the beach you should wear shoes and sunscreen. It is not advisable to use a hot water bottle to soak your feet in winter. It is best to wear loose woolen socks.
6. Have a comprehensive examination with your podiatrist at least once a year.