Diabetic Footcare
Leading life with diabetes is hard, and no one opts for such an inconvenient way of living. Suppose you are a person with diabetes who thinks only regular sugar level monitoring and proper diet plans promote sound healing. In that case, you are missing out on one of the most essential care and management that your body deserves, and that is ‘foot care’. If you’re hearing about diabetic foot care for the first time, or already know there’s something called foot care but are unsure how to start and maintain it, this space is for you. It explains why foot care is essential for preventing ulcers and infections. To a shocking fact, more than 70 million people in the Indian population are diagnosed with diabetes, and 8 million people in the population of Tamil Nadu are affected by diabetes respectively. Hence, foot care is the most crucial aspect to attend to, but is often overlooked and neglected by many individuals with diabetes.
Why Diabetes Foot Care is Essential:
- More than 18 million diabetics are at a higher risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers in India.
- Over 3 million Indians with diabetes are nearing the danger of foot amputation.
- Nearly 8 lakh people in Tamil Nadu are at risk of developing foot ulcers.
- Close to 1,40,000 leg amputations are taking place in Tamil Nadu annually.
You should now have a better understanding of why foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is another diabetic culprit that negatively impacts human life. Unmanaged diabetes and unmonitored blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage in the feet due to poor blood circulation, resulting in loss of sensation and an increase in sensations of burning, tingling, and numbness in the affected areas. Hence, it is crucial to stick to the diabetic foot care regimen to lower the possible diabetic risks and complications.
If you are experiencing a burning sensation in your foot and would like to learn more about it, please visit the blog section of our official website, where you can find articles on foot burning problems and treatments for burning feet.
Tips to Prevent Ulcers & Infections:
- Create Your Foot Care Routine
The most challenging part of doing anything is just getting started. Identifying your foot concerns and managing personal pain can be difficult. Still, you can make it possible with the right doctor for diabetes by your side, like Dr. Durai, who consistently exceeds expectations in treating diabetes and foot-related concerns through thorough examinations, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment methods. After your first consultation, you will determine where to focus your work. Hence, creating a diabetic foot care regimen and sticking to it will make your diabetes journey more manageable and stress-free.
- Daily Foot Inspection
Inspecting your foot for any cuts, blisters, wounds, infections, and injuries is crucial. When considering diabetes and foot care, use a mirror to inspect your feet for any visible changes. By checking your feet daily, you can monitor the progress of your foot health. If any remarkable changes are found, consult your personal diabetes consultant immediately.
- Keep the Foot Clean & Dry
One of the most essential aspects of foot care is maintaining the cleanliness of the feet. Always wash your feet with lukewarm water and add a few drops of essential oil for a positive impact on your mental health, too. Don’t forget to wipe the foot clean to dry it, because when moisture builds up in the foot, it may lead to infections and affect the foot’s health.
- Trim the Nails Carefully
Most people lack awareness of diabetic foot hygiene and the importance of carefully caring for their toenails. They often trim their nails too closely, which can lead to irritation and skin peeling. Hence, maintaining short toenails is essential because long toenails can hit nearby fingernails and leave open sores. Trim your toenails straight across; never cut in the corners of the toes, as it can lead to the development of ingrown toenails. If you are struggling with ingrown toenails and looking for ways to manage them, you can read our recent blog on getting rid of ingrown toenails with easy steps.
- Right Footwear Matters:
Most diabetic-related foot problems occur when a person with diabetes uses footwear that provides inadequate support and comfort for the affected foot. Many trustworthy podiatric centers customize your footwear to address your specific medical concerns and personal preferences. The trustworthy diabetes consultant, Dr. Durai, suggests the proper footwear that offers satisfactory arch and cushion support, also with inflexible, built-in insoles.
Things To Avoid:
- Avoid walking barefoot, even if you love to do so or are not accustomed to wearing slippers.
- Avoid sitting or resting for prolonged periods, as this can obstruct blood flow to the foot and lead to severe foot complications.
- Avoid wearing high heels, tight, or improperly fitting footwear, as it can lead to nerve damage due to consistent pressure and strain.
- Soaking your foot can provide relief from pain and swelling, but when doing so, ensure you are not using piping hot water and avoid overdoing it.
- If you are dealing with corns and calluses, avoid pricking and picking them with sharp and edged tools.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged, as it can lead to restricted blood flow and cause various sensations in the foot, making you uncomfortable.
- Avoid wearing tight socks.
- Avoid wearing wet shoes and slippers.
- Never attempt self-diagnosis; consult your diabetes doctor for prompt foot care and management.
When To See a Diabetes Consultant:
You will need immediate medical attention if you undergo or notice any of the following symptoms;
- Injuries or infections in the foot or hands that persist for a long time without healing or show no signs of healing.
- Identifying changes in digestive methods and sexual functioning.
- Undergoing Sleep interruptions, a burning or tingling sensation, and a numb feeling in the feet and hands.
With over 10 years of experience as a leading diabetes specialist, Dr. Durai has prevented over 10,000 feet from amputation through accurate diagnosis and effective management, earning the trust of numerous diabetic patients.
For more information about diabetes treatment and foot care, visit https://drduraisdiabeticcare.com/ and explore our diabetes care blogs to make your diabetes journey more manageable and stress-free.
Visit Dr. Durai’s Diabetes & Diabetic Foot Care Specialities Center for treatment appointments. For queries and further clarification on diabetic foot care, please email us at dr.duraisdiabetes@gmail.com.
