Guidelines for Diabetic Foot Treatment

The Importance of Diabetic Foot Treatment

Diabetic foot treatment on a regular basis is very important. Among the many body parts requiring attention for proper diabetes management are the feet. The feet need regular assessment and care because diabetics are prone to having foot problems. By monitoring the functional status of the feet, the early signs of diabetic foot conditions can best be detected and addressed.

 

Diabetes and the Feet

Diabetes can lead to important changes in both the circulatory and nervous systems. As a result, the positioning of the foot may not adjust fully while walking or standing and excess pressure can build up in some areas. The base of the big toe is a common point of excess pressure, causing many diabetics to develop ulcers in and around the ball of the foot.

Another common type of diabetic foot injury, due to decreased pain perception in the feet, is the presence of small objects that have pierced the skin. Whereas a healthy foot can sense the pain of a small pin or stone, such items can become embedded in a diabetic foot and cause more significant damage.

Due to poor circulation and altered immune function, a diabetic foot wound can be slow to heal and complicated to treat. This allows even small foot injuries to become significant health risks to diabetics.

 

Guidelines for Diabetic Foot Treatment

Along with having regular appointments with American Foot’s diabetic experts for diabetic foot care, it’s important that persons with diabetes also routinely care for their feet by practicing these tips;

  1. Inspect Your Feet Daily
  2. Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water.
  3. Moisturize your feet but not between your toes.
  4. Cut nails carefully.
  5. Never treat corns or calluses yourself.
  6. Wear clean, dry socks.
  7. Wear socks to bed.
  8. Keep your feet warm and dry
  9. Never walk barefoot.
  10. Take care of your diabetes
  11. Get periodic foot exams.

The American Diabetes Association recommends:

If you have corns or calluses, your health care provider can trim them for you. Your health care provider can also trim your toenails if you cannot do so safely.

Most all foot care associated with diabetes is covered by Medicare or your insurance plan. You can have this checked for you from the friendly, helpful staff at American Foot and Leg with offices in Stock Bridge, Locust Grove, Fayetteville, and Forest Park, GA