Preventing Foot Ulcers
Diabetes is a disease that can have a lot of complications. This chronic lifestyle disease can increase the risk of heart diseases, kidney disorders, blindness, circulatory problems, and it can even cause foot ulcers that can end up requiring amputation of the lower limbs.
Foot ulcers are very common among diabetics. It is important that you should know how to prevent this from happening to you as this is the most common cause of non-traumatic amputation of the lower limbs. Any person with diabetes can have foot ulcers. However, there are several factors that significantly increase the risk. By learning about the factors that increase the risk of foot ulcers, you will be able to know how to effectively prevent it.
Poor blood glucose control is one major factor that increases the risk of developing foot ulcers. Other factors that significantly increase the risk of developing foot ulcers in diabetic patients are sensory neuropathy, poor circulation, poor foot healthcare, inappropriate or ill fitting footwear, foot deformity, and history of previous ulceration.
If you are suffering from diabetes and that you have neuropathy and reduced or poor circulation, then you are very likely to get foot ulcers. This is a classic example of the causes of foot ulcer. If you decide to go on a long walk with new shoes and that you have neuropathy and poor circulation, then it is very likely that you will develop foot ulcers. The new pair of shoes and the duration of the walk can cause chaffing in the feet, which you will not feel as you have loss of feeling in the feet or because of sensory neuropathy. The chaffing will then develop in to a blister, which you will not notice for the same reason.
As a result of poor circulation of blood, the blister will not be able to heal, which can turn in to an ulcer.
This is one scenario that can possibly cause foot ulcer. Other classic cases would be getting an ingrown toenail which can injure your feet and cause foot ulcers.
Here are ways on how you can prevent foot ulcers. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to decrease the risk of developing foot ulcers and decrease the likelihood of amputation.
The first is to check your blood glucose level regularly. By doing so, you will be able to effectively monitor and regulate your blood glucose levels at acceptable levels.
In addition to that, checking your feet using a mirror is a must especially if you have sensory neuropathy. By doing so, you will be able to know if you developed chaffing in your feet, which can develop in to blisters then in to foot ulcers.
Cleaning the feet with warm water and mild soap can also help prevent foot ulcers. Always remember that after every washing, you need to dry your feet thoroughly especially between the toes.
If you are cutting toenails, never cut down in to corners as this can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. Instead, try cutting the toenails straight across. If you are unsure on how to properly cut your toenails, you should consult a podiatrist.
Appropriate footwear is necessary for diabetics. Make sure that the shoes you get fit you adequately. Consult your podiatrist in order to make sure that the shoes you get is comfortable and one that has enough space for your feet that it will not cause injuries.
These are some of the ways to prevent foot ulcers in diabetic patients. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will decrease the risk of getting foot ulcers, which will basically reduce the risk of amputation.
(ArticlesBase SC #920509)
Article Tags:
diabetes treatment
,diabetes
,living with diabetes
,diabetes management
,diabetes care
New medical treatments for Diabetes
This medical video focus' on a patient who has had diabetes for 37 years, this video goes through the medical treatments that are now available for her. (02:36)
Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer
This medical video focus' on the new ways to heal a foot wound. (01:37)
Detecting Foot Ulcers
This medical video looks at the new treatment available to help detect foot ulcers earlier. (01:35)
RX for Pre-Diabetes
If you've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, your fate isn't sealed! You can prevent this common condition from becoming full-blown diabetes. (01:03)
Learn about Diabetic Foot Care
Dr Michael Perlstein, D.A.B.P.O. Podiatrist , Talks about Diabetic Foot Care (04:51)
If you're a person afflicted with diabetes mellitus, a team approach in your treatment would be the best way to handle your affliction.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels, your kidneys, and heart arteries, and other complications in the body may arise; the result is that your life can be shortened by up to 10 years if you do not get proper treatment.
When people are first told by their doctors that they are diabetic, they often respond in disbelief. Some people are overwhelmed and get depressed. Besides, with no cure and the fact that you need to follow certain instructions on how to live your daily life, you too would be depressed and overwhelmed. It will seem like life suddenly turned for the worse. It is true that living with diabetes is hard and you will need to really adjust to literally a new lifestyle. But, you will see that you will
Everyone experiences stress every once in a while. It is basically unavoidable. Besides, if you see something stressful or you are in a stressful situation, you will definitely experience it. However, you have to remember that if you are a diabetic, stress can have negative impact on your overall well-being. Living with diabetes is stressful enough. But, you need to remember that stress can also have its effects on the body, which can aggravate diabetes
In the U.S, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common, not only in adults but in kids and teens as well. This is most likely in those who are overweight. Studies showed that between 8% and 45% of children who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes have the form known as...
In order to determine if a person has diabetes, there are some blood tests that can be performed. To perform the fasting glucose test, the doctor will take blood from a vein in the patient’s arm, but it is important that the patient has not eaten in the last 8 hours.
Diabetes is a very common and well known disease now days. People have started taking it as serious as they take to Cancer, but the most important question to know is “What is Diabetes?” Diabetes is known as problem of ‘high sugar’. Fasting blood glucose level of around 126mg% or more is called as diabetes.
First of all, diabetes is a very serious disease that can potentially have life threatening complications. It is a disease that a lot of people are suffering today and is also a disease where cure is not yet in existent. Living with diabetes is hard and at times, depressing. Most people who get diagnosed with diabetes are overwhelmed and some are even depressed to the point that they think that their life is over
How can fish oil lower cholesterol ? Actually, it is not a simple “yes or no" answer. But here are the facts.
Selecting a drug rehab center is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make in your lifetime. Few of us know what to look for in a quality rehab program and not all drug rehabilitation centers are alike. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness.
Are you tired of having to live with arthritis? Is it something that you wish you could get rid of easily? Well if so then you need to begin following a few simple tips at home.
There are some people that might deny that there are variations in between the sexes when it comes to cholesterol levels, nevertheless they should find out that whether they are suffering from high cholestrerol levels.
Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition that affects about 40% of the population. If you are bothered by these white and red skin bumps, keep reading to find natural treatments and home remedies for KP.
This is one of the biggest factors behind food allergies and auto-immune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are often chronic, debilitating, and life-threatening.
For the average human being, you should be passing 2-3 bowel movements each day. If you’re only passing 2-3 times a week, you’ve got a problem.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors are being fitted into nearly every dwelling in New York. Their are calls to do the same in homes in the UK.
When going out on a Valentine's date, looking good is a major consideration because physical attraction matters especially on first meetings. If you want to look good on your date, it is a must to pay attention to your hair. Solving your mane issues is a major thing because hair is every person’s crowning glory. If you want to look your best, try choosing a hairstyle that would complement the shape of your face. You can do this by going to a salon and asking for...
Next to Christmas cards, Valentine cards are the second most popular greeting cards in the United States, with more than one billion V-day cards sent every year. For sure, you have received tons of the same old Valentine’s Day cards since you-don’t-know-when. And most likely, you have grown tired of them. After all, simple cards may mean that the sender has not made much effort of giving you something more special for the occasion. Even buying and giving plain greeting cards can be boring.
Got honey but not much money? That shouldn’t be a reason not to celebrate Valentine’s Day. February 14 is the day you spend with the most special person in your life, regardless of how cheap or expensive your gifts are or how simple or extravagant your date is. What matters is that you have the time to spend with your loved one on the day of hearts.
For most men, picking out the perfect Valentine's gift for their wives or girlfriends can be a tedious task. Since not all women are very particular about what they really want, men spend a lot of time finding that elusive gift and end up confused and frustrated when they can't decide which one to choose for their special someone.
Because of the convenience of virtual communication and socializing, online dating has been a practical Valentine's date option for so many people. In fact, studies show that online dating when Valentine's season comes has been growing steady fast over the years this is evident in the growth of online dating memberships that increase 20 percent annually.
In the pats years, only a few universities and colleges had started offering online college degrees. These days, the trend is getting changed. Now, almost all of the most prominent and important educational institutions are starting to cater to online learners. Many universities, which used to offer only traditional college programs, are now swooning in to offer to the public online college education...
Everyone has heard about distance learning. Often treated as a joke in movies and sitcoms, usually about how easy it is to get and the dubious quality of education provided, nowadays, it is being treated more seriously. This can be seen in the veritable explosion of legitimate universities offerince online college degrees. Advertisements about additional education can be seen plastered all over the Internet.
Online college degrees are definitely the easiest and most so far most convenient way to take college courses especially for people who do not have the advantage, resources, and time to complete tertiary education. Now that the education programs are offered online, it is not surprising that many people aim to take advantage of them.
