Chicago Diabetic Foot Care And Treatments

When it comes to foot care, the first thing to do is to find a qualified podiatrist, whether you live in Chicago, or anywhere else for that matter. Podiatrists are qualified to treat conditions that affect the health of the foot and ankle, and are well trained in the proper diabetic foot care treatments and methods.

Diabetes is a disease that causes fluctuations in blood glucose levels and is related to an insulin imbalance in the body. Uncontrolled Diabetes can lead to a decrease in the bodys ability to fight infection and disease, damage to the organs, impairment of the immune system, and serious foot problems.

Because of damage to the nervous system, diabetic patients are less likely to retain feeling in their feet, which means that normal sweat secretion and oil production can become impaired, leading to abnormal amounts of pressure being placed on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot. The result is often painful sores, damage to blood vessels, and bacterial infections of the skins connective tissues.

These infections often develop into gangrene, a serious condition that can become life threatening if it spreads to the blood stream. The only recourse is often amputation.

People with diabetes should be aware of these potential problems, as well as the best ways to prevent them and when to seek treatment. The most important thing to remember is to control blood sugar through proper diet, exercise, and medication, since this is the most effective way to prevent problems.

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of diabetic foot conditions, learning routine home foot care techniques, and when to consult a podiatrist, are all essential parts of a proper Chicago diabetic foot care regimen.

Certain risk factors do exist that if reduced, can also reduce the incidence of diabetic foot complications. Wearing poorly fitting footwear is one risk factor, and can be identified by the appearance of red spots, sore spots, corns, calluses, blisters, and or constant foot pain. In this case, the best course of action is to obtain properly fitting, specially designed shoes.

Patients, who have nerve damage, or neuropathy as a result of their diabetes, may be unable to feel their feet, and loose a sense of the position of their feet and toes while walking. As such, minor foot injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and blisters, may not be perceived as readily, and this can lead to a gradual worsening of these conditions. We will explore more issues surrounding Chicago diabetic foot care in part two of this article.