Diabetic foot: If you are not aware of the legs will be cut!

 

Little is known about diabetes and ways to control it. But due to diabetes, your body gradually causes many problems. Many people do not have a clear idea about these.

One of the most serious complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy or diabetic foot. This results in numbness, tingling, and pain in the legs or loss of sensation. As the blood circulation in the legs decreases, it is too late to dry the wound. The shape of the toes and toes may also change.

"Diabetic foot can be a serious problem," said Kevin Springer, a podiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It increases the rate of loss of balance, causes pain, and reduces the quality of life. '

The condition of the diabetic foot is not stable. As time goes on it gets worse and it may be necessary to amputate the leg at some point. However, if you live a conscious life from the beginning, it will be possible to avoid serious situations like an amputation. Diabetic patients need to know the symptoms of the diabetic feet to protect their feet and seek treatment as soon as possible.

The cause of diabetic foot:

It is not known exactly what causes diabetic foot in diabetic patients. Researchers are working to find the real cause. However, some risky issues have been raised.

One of the risks of diabetic foot is high blood sugar. This is the main symptom of uncontrolled diabetes. It can cause circulatory problems, as the arteries become inflamed and the arteries become narrower. The blood circulation in the legs can be reduced more easily than in other parts of the body, which means there is a higher risk of circulatory problems in the arteries of the legs.

Northeast Leadership Board member of the American Diabetes Association. David Alper said, "When a foot is diabetic with a diabetic foot, it dries out slowly because the tissue does not get enough blood flow to heal." Diabetic ulcers are a major cause of amputation.

At the same time, diabetes can destroy nerves. This is called neuropathy. It happens more on the feet. Dr. Alpar says, ‘Neuropathy reduces the feeling of pressure or pain in the legs, which in turn leads to invisible wound deterioration. It can lead to infections and complications that require amputation. '

All diabetics may have diabetic feet on their feet, but these people have a higher risk.

* Those who are not aware of blood sugar control or have high A1C.

* Those who are over 40 years of age.

* Those who are overweight.

* Those who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

* Those who are at risk for vascular diseases, such as smoking, history of coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic foot

Early detection of diabetic foot is important in foot protection, but it can be difficult. Dr. "Early warning signs of a diabetic foot may be vague or unnoticed," said Springer. Because the symptoms don't seem to be subtle or the nerves are damaged. '

Dr. According to Springer, the symptoms of the diabetic foot may be more noticeable at night. Symptoms of the diabetic foot usually include cracking of the soles of the feet, tingling or stinging pain in the feet, stiffness of the soles of the feet, numbness of the toes, or no feeling of movement in the bones of the feet. Reddening of the skin and burning of the feet.

Even if the signs and symptoms of diabetic foot seem harmless, you should talk to a doctor. Dr. "In the early stages of diabetic foot, it is possible to avoid complications if the doctor's advice is followed or the level of symptoms is under control," said Alpar. Loss of sensitivity in each foot, pain caused by muscle contractions in the legs during exercise, changes in skin color or temperature, fungal infections in the toes, and blisters on the feet.

Treatment of diabetic foot:

If you have symptoms of diabetic foot, you may need to see a doctor. In this context, Dr. "The goal of treating diabetic foot is to reduce pain, slow the deterioration and reduce the risk of complications," said Springer.

The most serious complication of diabetic foot ulcers is an open sore called a diabetic foot ulcer. It is prone to infection. According to doctors, diabetic foot sores can be controlled with timely treatment. In other words, if the right treatment is taken in time, the leg can be saved with the treatment without cutting. A lot of times maybe one finger has to be cut off or all the fingers have to be cut off. If it is possible to protect the legs, the patient can walk. But due to the delay, the wound spreads and often goes up to the knee. Then the leg has to be cut off from the knee to save the patient.

The ultimate consequence of an acute diabetic foot is to amputate the leg, but this can be avoided with a conscious lifestyle.

What to do to prevent diabetic foot:

Dr. "The best way to avoid diabetic neuropathy is to control your blood sugar," said Springer. If left unmanaged, they can be left astray and lose the right path. "

* Smoking should be reduced because smoking reduces blood flow to the legs.

* Eat more fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, reduce salt and sugar

* Exercise every day, even 10 minutes of walking reduces the risk.

Patients with diabetes should take care of their feet every day, for example-

* After washing the feet should be well dried, even the gap between the fingers.

* Moisturizer should be used on the feet, but not on the toes.

* Toenails should be cut straight and kept short.

* Moisture absorbent socks should be worn and special care should be taken while putting shoes on the feet so that no sting is felt on the foot and no wound is created.

* Regular check-ups on the feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and other symptoms.

* Always wear socks, even at home.

* When sitting, the feet should be kept high and the toes should be moved to increase blood flow.

* Avoid getting your feet wet unnecessarily.