Collection: Diabetes and Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care, podiatry assessment and treatments
Introduction to Diabetic Footcare
Diabetes can lead to a variety of foot problems, including most commonly : diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic sores on feet, diabetes swollen feet and peripheral neuropathy. These conditions are a result of poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and reduced ability to heal. If not properly managed, diabetic feet can lead to serious complications, including infections and diabetic foot gangrene. Early recognition and treatment of diabetic foot problems are crucial in preventing further damage and preserving foot health.
It is important to have a podiatry diabetic foot screening to assess for any diabetic related problems occurring on your feet.
What is a diabetic foot?
The term diabetic foot refers to a range of foot complications that can arise in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes and foot problems are often linked to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood circulation. Diabetic feet symptoms can vary but commonly include diabetes burning feet, diabetes dry feet, and increased vulnerability to infections. Diabetic foot pain is also a common complaint, particularly in the form of burning, tingling, or sharp sensations.
Common Diabetic Foot Conditions:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A diabetic foot ulcer is a painful, open wound that forms on the foot due to nerve damage, high pressure and poor circulation. If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can become infected and lead to severe complications.
- Diabetic Sores on Feet: Sores or blisters that develop on the feet due to reduced sensation, poor circulation and abnormal pressure on the foot. These sores can easily become infected, leading to more serious problems.
- Burning Diabetic Feet
- Swollen Feet: Diabetes swollen feet are a result of fluid retention due to poor circulation. Swelling can worsen if left untreated, making it difficult to walk or find comfortable footwear.
- Diabetic arthritis
How to Manage Diabetic Foot Pain and Prevent Complications
Proper diabetic foot care is essential to reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and other complications.
Effective foot care tips includes:
- Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet daily for cuts, sores, blisters, or changes in skin color, as early detection of issues is key to preventing complications.
- Moisturizing and Hydration: Keeping your feet well-moisturized helps prevent diabetes dry feet, which can lead to cracks and infections.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing well-fitting shoes and socks can help prevent friction and pressure, reducing the risk of developing ulcers and sores.
- Diabetic foot custom orthotics or insoles: to redistribute abnormal pressure under the foot and support the foot joints.
- Regular Foot Exams: A diabetic foot exam by a podiatrist is essential to assess for signs of nerve damage, circulation issues, and infections. This exam may include a diabetic foot vascular assessment to check blood flow or a diabetic foot risk assessment to evaluate your overall foot health.
