Foot Ulcers are a common complication that can happen to a diabetic patient. Foot care is extremely important affair when it comes to the diabetes patients. The common injuries that occur in the foot that arise when the body has trouble regulating the blood sugar levels. Foot ulcers are nothing but open sores that are commonly found over the foot. Diabetic foot ulcer prevention is crucial to avoid serious complications associated with diabetes. Necessary care has to be taken by patients when it comes to foot ulcers, as if not maintained carefully it can lead up to dire situations which might even result in amputation of the leg.

When a person is having diabetes, even the smallest of small blisters can turn into open sores or injuries within no time and hence specific care has to be given to such wounds and correct treatment procedures have to be followed through. Good foot hygiene, regular foot exams, and proper footwear are essential in diabetic foot ulcer prevention. The reason why most diabetic patients go unnoticed of such sores or wounds is because the nerve damage, which is called peripheral neuropathy, makes the feeling of pain because of the injury not very relevant. 

Life without pain seems good but pain is the way the body communicates when there is something wrong with it and a nudge to take the right treatment before it is too late. 

Also, diabetes patients suffer from a very slow healing process and because of this a small ulcer or wound on the foot will take many months to heal. An open wound is a breeding ground for infection and this infection can enter into the bloodstream and move up which will result finally in the amputation of the leg, for which the chances are 25 times more in a person with diabetes than for a person who is devoid of such a metabolic disorder. Diabetic foot ulcer prevention is essential to maintain the health of individuals with diabetes.

Being said that, this is a situation that is completely preventable and hence following up with certain steady measures can help in reducing the complications that can arise due to such an open sore or foot ulcer. Here in this blog, we are trying to shed more light on the topic of how to follow steps for diabetic foot ulcer prevention.

 

You may also like to read, Simple And Effective Home Remedies To Cure Leg Ulcers

Tips for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

1. Daily foot inspection

As said above, most of the diabetic patients suffer from nerve damage which does not let them feel the pain and because of this minor pains scratches on the foot go unnoticed. Inspecting and checking the feet everyday can help avoid such ulcers and sores to go unchecked. Analyze the feet every day and check for blisters, sores, and even ingrown toenails which can actually cause infection. The lower side or the backside of the feet also needs to be checked as there are chances of foot sores over there as well. By following a comprehensive foot care regimen, individuals with diabetes can take care of diabetic foot ulcer prevention. If you also come across changes like redness, swelling, and warmth of the feet that needs to be communicated with the medical practitioner immediately.

1. Proper Footwear

Wearing footwear whenever moving out of the home and even within the home is a nice practice to steer clear of any kind of foot injury, even something as minor as a scrape or cut. But not wearing the right footwear can also evoke issues that are as serious as not wearing footwear. Diabetes patients need to find shoes or footwear that perfectly fits them—not too big or too small. If the foot size increases over time, measure and make the necessary adjustments. A well-fitting shoe is one that gives ample arch support, and along with the shoes, wear socks that do not have tight elastic bands on the end, as this can contribute to restricted blood flow to the feet. 

The doctors preferably advise the diabetes patients to always wear closed footwear, as open ones like sandals can cause blisters, and high heels can cause unnecessary stress on the front part of the foot. 

1. Blood Sugar

If you are someone with diabetes, then it becomes a necessary part of your routine to check and keep tabs on the blood sugar levels in your body. This is because if there is an increase or even a decrease in those levels, then the prescribed levels can easily cause foot ulcers and keep them from being noticed. It will also take a considerable amount of time to heal the wound. So, keeping track of the blood sugar levels can help avoid such situations and help in making necessary changes in the medications and intake of insulin as per the recommendations of your doctor or medical practitioner. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and monitoring your feet daily can significantly contribute to diabetic foot ulcer prevention.

1. Weight loss

The upper body weight of people who are obese or overweight can result in increased pressure on the feet and also increase the chances of developing sores because of the friction between the foot and the footwear while walking. Reducing weight can also have considerable benefits for blood sugar levels and help maintain health in the long run. If you have a high BMI, then you can consider various strategies for weight loss to combat the issue. 

You may also like to read, Tips To Lose Weight Without Dieting

1. Avoiding smoking and tobacco products

Tobacco consumption is known to dial down the spontaneity or agility of the healing process of foot ulcers in a diabetic patient. Consuming tobacco is also known to decrease blood flow to the feet and the overall body. Stopping the habit of smoking all of a sudden is a very difficult approach, and therefore, the medical practitioners give the patients the necessary help to come out of the habit by helping them adapt to efficient practices. 

1. Eat a well balanced diet

Diet is an important part of helping diabetes patients steer clear of the aftereffects like nerve damage and slow healing processes. Instead, when patients stick to a balanced meal plate, they are actually helping the body retrieve the quickness to react in the case of a foot injury or foot ulcer. Taking minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron, copper, protein, etc can help the body to easily grow tissues. 

You may also like to read, Diet, Nutrition, And Disease Management

1. Exercise

Physical activity is an important factor to help avoid foot ulcers and even aid in the healing process. When the right exercises are performed, they promote weight loss and also help increase blood flow to the feet and legs. This helps the feet overcome the slowing process in the healing of the foot ulcers. 

1. Suspicious? See your doctor.

When you feel that certain wounds and injuries are not healing even after adequate measures are taken and you experience fever, chills, pain, pus, etc., then you should immediately consult your physician and take sufficient measures to not aggravate the situation. 

Foot ulcers are dangerous if not treated in the right way at the right time. Make sure to take the necessary precautions and conduct a sufficient inspection of your feet on a regular basis. Taking proactive steps towards diabetic foot ulcer prevention can improve the quality of life for people with diabetes and help them avoid costly medical treatments.

By following these tips, you can prevent diabetic foot ulcers and maintain the health of your feet.

You may also like to read, How To Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?