Knowledge And Practice Of Foot Care Among Patients With Diabetes

Diabetes is a dangerous health condition that affects a person’s life on many levels. One of them is the necessary change of foot care habits. Ignoring this serious issue may result in amputation.

People that suffer from diabetes can develop nerve damage, infections, and circulation problems. The specifics of this disease affect one’s healing rate, and make it almost impossible to cure an infected sore after is occurs. This is why it is imperative to prevent these complications from happening. You can do this by performing several foot care procedures daily. They include:

• Inspecting your feet thoroughly. If you cannot reach your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help you. Any sore, cut, or even redness must be considered as a possible problem and warrant a visit to your doctor.
• Washing the feet with warm water and soap. Cleanliness is the key to healthy feet. You need to wash your feet at least once every day. Check the water temperature with your hand because diabetes can affect feet sensitivity. Gently dry your feet with a soft towel. Be thorough in removing all remnants of moisture without irritating or damaging the skin.
• Using lotions. This requirement only becomes mandatory when your skin gets dry and rough. Never apply lotion or oil between your toes.
• Do not use a heating pad or warm bottle. They will only worsen your condition, and interfere with blood circulation.
• Performing toenail care. This routine should be discussed with a qualified professional who will show you how to perform it properly.

Diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, and the amount of harm the disease deals to your body. An eating plan and the list of products diabetes patients must rely on to improve his or her condition should be discussed with a professional. Every person is unique, so one should not take the risk of damaging their health further through an incorrect diet.

Patients with nerve damage may lack sensitivity in their extremities. This will make buying shoes more difficult, due to the fact that the person will be unable to feel anything except very strong discomfort. You will need to choose shoes very carefully, trying out several models and comparing them to the best of your ability.

People that suffer from diabetes must be really mindful of their feet’s health. If one does not follow the rules, they can end up with an infected foot that needs to be subsequently amputated.