Diabetes is a fatal sickness that could lead to different kinds of complications in the body. It can be extremely painful and costly, especially when the sickness starts to greatly affect the lower part of your body.
Diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves due to high levels of blood sugar and high levels of fat in the body. Diabetic neuropathy commonly affects the feet and other lower extremities, causing blisters and sores that take longer than usual to heal. If left alone, diabetic neuropathy can lead to amputation of the feet and legs.
If you have diabetes, it’s important that you keep your feet healthy and in good condition to avoid getting sores and foot damages that could increase your chances of getting amputated. Here are 5 ways you can prevent diabetic foot wounds from occurring:
1. Wear proper footwear
Wearing the right footwear is important in keeping your feet safe and from physical damages and keep your feet comfortable. Shoes that are too thigh could put your feet at risk of foot deformities like bunions, calluses, and hammer/overlapping toes. It could also damage nerves on the feet because of the unnecessary pressure put on it by the tight shoes.
It’s always best to wear shoes that fit well on your feet. Shoes that are just right on your feet will not put unnecessary pressure on your feet and give your feet and toes enough room to straighten out.
2. Wash your feet thoroughly
Washing your feet thoroughly and properly will ensure that your feet are relaxed and clean from any bacteria that forms after a long day of being trapped inside closed shoes. This also helps prevent the growth of toenail fungus and toenail ingrown.
When washing your feet, use warm water and mild soap. Make sure to tet the temperature to ensure that the water is not too hot since people with diabetic foot problems have a hard time feeling with their feet due to the nerve damages. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly as well after washing.
3. Monitor your Diabetes
Since diabetic neuropathy is caused by diabetes, it’s important that you keep your diabetes maintained so that nerve damages on your feet will not get worst. With the right program for diabetic foot pain treatment, you can maintain your blood sugar within the appropriate range set by your doctor so that you don’t further damage your nerves.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice on exercise, nutrition, and daily medication. The more you maintain your blood sugar and fat, the less likely you will need extensive diabetic foot pain treatment and you’ll have less cost for health maintenance.
4. Visit a diabetic foot clinic regularly
Visiting a wound care specialist in Singapore regularly will help you keep a close eye on the condition of your feet. This is especially important for those with clear signs of diabetic neuropathy like less sensation in the feet and light to mild pain when talking.
By visiting a diabetic foot clinic, you can be sure that your foot’s condition is monitored by experts and you will be able to receive proper care and treatment. You can also get advice on how to properly take care of your feet and what you should do to prevent further damages.
