Diabetes is a widely known disease caused either by insulin resistance or a lack of insulin production by the body. Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the body that turns food into energy and manages blood sugar levels.
If not controlled properly, diabetes can affect various organs of your body, such as the eyes, heart, feet, kidneys, and nerves. One such disease caused by uncontrollable diabetes is diabetic foot disease.
Foot disease can cause numbness and damage the nerves in your feet. This article covers the symptoms, causes, and treatment of diabetic foot disease.
What Is Diabetic Foot Disease?
Diabetic foot disease is the single most common cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. It is defined as an ulcer in the foot and ankle associated with neuropathy and infection.
Foot problems people may experience with diabetes include:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Blisters
- Diabetic ulcers
- Diabetic Calluses
- Foot infection
- Amputation
- Death
Causes Of Diabetic Foot
The two main causes of diabetic foot include:
- Neuropathy, where nerve damage is caused by high blood sugar. It can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.
- Peripheral artery diseaseis a condition that causes the narrowing of arteries in the legs and feet. It can reduce blood flow to the feet, making it difficult for a wound to heal.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Foot Disease
Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the issues a person is experiencing. A few common symptoms are listed below.
- Loss of feeling
- Numbness or tingling
- Blisters or other wounds without pain
- Skin discoloration and temperature changes
- Red streaks
- Wounds with or without drainage
- Painful tingling
- Dry skin around the heel
- fever
- Uncontrollable blood sugar
- Foot odor that doesn’t go away
Treatment Of Diabetic Foot
If there is no deep infection, it can be managed with local wound care, antibiotics, or both. If there is any sign of an ulcer, consult your doctor and get safe treatment.
A few tips for diabetic foot care include:
- Practice daily foot care. Wash your feet in warm water with mild soap.
- Check your feet every day for blisters, redness, swelling, or any cuts.
- Wear a comfortable pair of shoes, neither too tight nor too high.
- Do not walk barefoot, even at home.
- Get regular checkups with your doctor for a safe treatment.
- Regularly disinfect your wound.
- Moisturize your feet to avoid dry skin.
- Smoking can restrict blood flow to your feet, so avoid smoking.
- Manage your blood sugar level to prevent nerve damage.
Diabetic foot problems are a serious complication, but with proper care and management, the risk of infection and amputation can be significantly reduced. The key lies in prevention through daily foot care, proper footwear, and managing blood sugar levels.
Early detection of any issues is crucial, so regular foot checks and doctor visits are essential. By following these steps, people with diabetes can take control of their foot health and maintain a good quality of life.
