Diabetic foot disease is the most common cause of hospitalization for people with diabetes. In addition, it weakens the quality of life, can lead to lower extremity amputation and even death. For this reason, today we want to tell you how to treat and care for diabetic foot.

What is diabetic foot and how does it appear?

Diabetic foot is defined as infection, ulceration, or tissue destruction of the foot, associated with neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease, in the lower extremity of a person with diabetes mellitus.

Damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the lower limbs caused by high blood sugar levels, on the one hand, causes you to lose sensitivity in the feet, and on the other hand, delays the healing of wound care in Columbia MD, due to the decrease of the supply of nutrients and oxygen to this area.

These situations leave the foot unprotected and make it more vulnerable to injuries and wounds, without you realizing it. For this reason, diabetic foot care is of great importance for people with diabetes.

How to care for and treat diabetic foot

The consequences of a poorly treated diabetic foot are devastating; therefore, it is important to keep diabetic foot care always in mind. The main thing is to avoid wounds and ulcers on the feet and act quickly if they appear.

Follow these tips to care for and treat diabetic foot:

Keep your blood glucose under control

The best way to stop the progress and reduce the consequences of diabetic foot is by keeping your blood sugar under control. This implies compliance with your treatment, a balanced diet for diabetics and frequent exercise.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood-sugar, slows the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers, increases the risk of foot infections and the possibility of amputation. Keep your blood glucose levels under control, avoiding states of hypoglycemia, which are also counterproductive for wound healing.

Check your feet every day

Check your feet from above, to the sides, soles, heels and between the toes, looking for cuts, blisters, calluses, redness or changes in the skin of the foot.

Wash your feet every day

Good foot hygiene helps prevent injuries and infections that can lead to foot ulcers. After washing your feet, dry they well, especially between the toes, since moisture is the enemy of diabetic feet.

Avoid corns and calluses on the feet     

Calluses and thick skin on the feet can cause friction and lead to foot injuries. If they have corns or calluses, go to the podiatrist to remove them or teach you how to do it correctly. If you do it incorrectly you can injure the skin of the foot.

Apply moisturizing foot cream 

Moisturizes the skin of the feet to prevent the appearance of cracks and hardness, with the exception of the space between the toes, as it could cause the appearance of fungi.

Cut toenails straight      

If you keep your nails too short, curved, or at an angle, it can lead to ingrown toenails. You can go to the podiatrist to cut them, in case it is very difficult for you to cut them.

Don’t walk barefoot      

Avoid, as far as possible, walking barefoot, even if you’re at home. Before putting on your shoes, always check them inside, to see if there are any stones, nails or rough areas that could hurt your feet.

Wear comfortable and suitable shoes

Wear shoes that provide comfort, such as the FEETPAD RHUYS OF1600, with an adjustable closure system that adapts to the size of the foot. This shoe is designed without seams in the forefoot, ideal for diabetic feet.

There is sufficient evidence to support the use of appropriate pressure-relieving therapeutic footwear, such as the ACP933 Shoe, to prevent recurrence or worsening of plantar foot ulcers. This shoe has a non-slip sole, adjustable closure, rigid reinforcement in the heel area and removable toe cap in the front area, for when necessary.

Protect your feet from extreme temperatures         

Use sunscreen on bare skin when you go outside or to the beach; and, in the case of cold, wear thick socks – such as the FEETPAD Sock for diabetic feet OV03B005 GRAY – that keep your feet warm, avoiding bringing them directly close to a heat source.

Stimulates circulation to your feet

When you sit, raise your feet to improve circulation to the lower limb. Do movements and stretches of the legs and feet to stimulate circulation to the feet. Don’t wear tight socks and try to walk at least 15 minutes a day.

The FEETPAD OV04B000 BLACK Diabetic Foot Socks are designed to prevent infections, as they prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, while avoiding chafing in delicate areas, such as the sole of the foot, and allowing proper blood circulation to the foot.

Periodically consult the podiatrist

In addition to your follow-up consultation with your GP, you should also visit the podiatrist at least once a year, to identify risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers, regardless of whether you have presented foot injuries.