How to Manage Foot Issues Commonly Associated with Diabetes

Many individuals experience common foot ailments as a part of everyday life. From blisters to scratches and everything in between, foot injuries and ailments can happen anytime - and are often quite easy to treat. However, for many Diabetics, common foot ailments can become a huge problem that can lead to long term issues, including the need to amputate a limb.

Here's an overview of some of the common foot ailments that Diabetics experience and how to protect against them:

Why foot ailments can be especially bad for Diabetics

If everyone gets blisters and other small foot problems from time to time, why can they be so serious for Diabetics? The answer: for a number of reasons. First, many Diabetics have poor circulation, which means that common foot ailments take longer to heal because they are not getting a steady supply of fresh blood that would contain nutrients to heal the wounds.

Secondly, some Diabetics are at a stage in their disease in which they experience Diabetic neuropathy, which means that they have lost feeling in their limbs. When they have no feeling in their feet, they may not be aware of some of the common foot ailments that they have experienced. Without being aware of these issues, it is common that they would not be able to treat those foot ailments and may even make the problem worse. Therefore, a simple blister could easily turn into an infection that may require amputation.

How to treat common foot ailments

While common foot ailments cannot be avoided, there are some tools that Diabetics should have on hand to treat these issues. Diabetic shoes and socks may help to prevent blisters and scratches by promoting proper circulation to the feet. They may also fit better, which would help to prevent blisters and other foot ailments.

Diabetics should also develop the regular practice of inspecting their feet. Many Diabetics inspect their feet on a daily basis, especially if they are already experiencing Diabetic neuropathy and cannot feel blisters or lesions. A simple mirror can aid in the inspection process.

Diabetics can soak their feet in massaging foot spas in order to promote blood circulation to the area. Soaking their feet in Epsom salt may also help to improve healing times (and it feels great!)

It is also important for Diabetics to regularly maintain their toenails to prevent their toenails from causing lesions on the skin that can become infected or lead to further issues.

Managing foot issues amongst Diabetics may take some additional time out of each day. However, proper health maintenance goes a long way in preventing long term health problems that could create serious issues down the road.

Resources:

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