Many complications can be related to diabetes. Diabetes can damage the vascular system and affect many parts of the body such as the eyes, kidneys, legs and feet.
You need to pay special attention to diabetes foot pain.
Diabetes foot pain consists of a variety of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy may result in insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics with neuropathy may experience minor incisions, bruises, blisters, or pressure sores because of insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, they can cause complications and cause ulcers or even amputations. It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot injuries. Observing the foot daily is crucial because of the consequences of neuropathy. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative foot care measures, he or she can reduce the risk of serious foot problems.
Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease and inhibits blood circulation in people. In this case, narrowing of the arteries often leads to a significant reduction in the circulation of the legs and lower feet. Poor blood circulation leads to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients supplied to the skin and other tissues, leading to poor healing. Poor circulation can also cause swelling and dryness of the foot. Prevention of foot complications is more important for people with diabetes because poor circulation can affect the healing process and can lead to ulcers, infections and other serious foot problems.
Simple daily foot protection can prevent serious problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, the following simple daily steps will help prevent serious complications caused by diabetes:
Choose a healthy lifestyle to keep your blood sugar near normal. Work with your health care team to develop a diabetes plan that suits your lifestyle characteristics.
Check your feet daily. You may have problems with your feet. You may not realize it. Check the feet for wounds, sores, erythema, swelling or infected toenails. Checking your feet should become part of your daily work. If you can’t bend over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to help. You can also ask the family for help. Important note: If the incision, pain, blisters, or bruises on your feet cannot be cured after one day, call your doctor immediately.
Wash your feet everyday. Warm, not hot, wash your feet in water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will dry out. Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You should use a thermometer or elbow. Do your feet well. Be sure to wipe dry between your toes. Use talcum powder to keep dry skin between toes.
Keep your skin soft and apply a thin layer of skin cream or cream to the top and bottom of your feet. Do not apply lotion between your toes as this may cause infection.