Diabetes Foot Complications

Suffering from diabetes basically means that your glucose level is too high. This, however, can lead to other serious problems including foot and skin problems. Along with this diabetics can also suffer from heart and kidney disease, strokes, and eye damage.  The problem most widely associated with diabetes is those from foot complications.

The two main reasons for diabetes foot problems are from diabetic neuropathy, this is where your nerve endings become damaged and you cannot feel sensations in your feet properly. This allows cuts and infections to go unnoticed for longer periods of time before treatment is administered.

The next reason is from peripheral vascular disease, this affects the blood flow going away from your heart and can have serious effects on your circulatory system. 

What can happen from either of the two reasons mentioned above is that an injury does not receive the correct blood flow and tissue repair from your body. The tissue ends up dying and this is when the possibility of amputation comes into play.  Because diabetic patients do not feel an injury, it is not noticed until it becomes a serious health risk. By this time it can be too late for treatment and the loss of a limb is imminent.

The risk of foot complications can be easily reduced just by taking better care of your feet. This includes getting regular checkups every two to three months.  Many foot problems can quickly lead to a more serious condition and these include suffering from any of the following:

•       Athletes’ foot

•       Fungal infections

•       Plantar warts

•       Corns

•       Calluses

•       Blisters

•       Bunions

•       Dry feet

•       Foot ulcers

•       Hammertoes

•       Ingrown toenails

For people who don’t suffer from diabetes these conditions are easily treated, though often uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with. For the diabetic patient they can all lead to severe problems if left untreated.

If you notice any signs of discoloration, swelling, pain in your legs, smelly foot odor or any condition that suddenly appears, then you want to seek medical advice immediately.  Make it a habit to check your feet daily and to wash them with warm water. A good moisturizing foot lotion helps to alleviate dry skin, caused by poor circulation.

Using a foot spa or home massage system can also help keep your feet in great condition.  A little bit of extra care can go a long way in avoiding diabetes foot complications from occurring in the first place.

Why Diabetic Shoes are Worth the Money

Anyone suffering from diabetes is prone to be at risk of developing neuropathy, which is losing the sensation in your feet, especially the toe area. Using diabetic shoes helps with this by allowing more room for your feet to breathe and to move around. This in itself is less likely to cause rubbing and sores developing on either your toes or the soles of your feet.

It really is important to make sure that you don’t develop ulcers which could become infected and be the cause of you losing one or more of your toes.  Diabetic shoes are designed to prevent any foot injuries from happening in the first place. Plus these types of shoes are roomier and allow you to use special diabetic insoles if required. Diabetic shoes are normally wider and deeper than a regular shoe.

You don’t need to have custom shoes made but you should consider getting your feet measured and fitted by a professional. Then you will be assured that your shoes will be comfortable and durable.  A good quality pair of diabetic shoes will provide you with room for your foot, they will prevent pressure from building up while wearing your shoes.  Plus they will be made of a breathable material.  The toe area of the shoe will be wide and have plenty of room to allow your toes to move around.

Propet Men's MPED3 Pedwalker 3 Oxford,Black

The correct pair of diabetic shoe is going to make a world of difference to your comfort level. Some of these shoes are more expensive but many times will be covered in part by your medical insurance. If not you can find great deals on diabetic shoes online. Shoes such as therapeutic or medical shoes are often constructed in the same manner and are less expensive. 

Always allow your shoes to dry out thoroughly and never wear them wet or without socks. If possible try not to wear the same pair of shoes each day and always check the inside of your shoe for pebbles or any type of debris, which could possibly damage your foot.

One of the easiest things to do to keep your feet healthy is to simply manage your diabetes better. Ensure that you are eating healthy, exercising appropriately and checking your blood sugar levels consistently.

Your feet carry you around all day and deserve a little extra tender care, whether you suffer from diabetes or not. Wearing diabetic shoes is a sure way to keep your feet in good condition and are well worth spending money on.

Why You Should Wear Diabetic Socks

One of the benefits of wearing diabetic socks is that they help to repel moisture away from your feet. This is especially important as diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from foot ulcers and pain more easily than those without diabetes.

A good quality diabetic sock is made without seams to prevent rubbing or chaffing. They are normally wrinkle free and this reduces the chances of blisters forming. Diabetic socks tend to be looser fitting around the top. This helps keep your blood circulation even and allows your foot to maintain its temperature.

Diabetic socks look no different to a regular pair of socks. They are made from a cotton blend and have a stretch top.  Many manufacturers have come up with socks labeled as ‘diabetic socks’ and they do cost a little more.  They come in various styles and colors.

Diabetic Socks 10-13 Mens CREW LENGTH,Physicians Choice,12 Pair,4 assorted Colors

Most doctors or podiatrists recommend wearing white socks if you currently have a foot injury. The reason for this is that you can easily tell on the white background if your wound is pussing or oozing. Getting medical attention immediately is important for anyone suffering from diabetes, as foot injuries can quickly become a serious issue. 

Keep the following in mind when purchasing your diabetic socks:

•       Moisture control - the socks should be made of a high quality material, there are some new high tech fabrics on the market that help to keep moisture away better than cotton socks.

•       Reduce Pressure – socks that have no seams are less likely to cause pressure on any part of your foot.

•       Reduce Wrinkles – purchase socks which do not wrinkle, the wrinkles can cause irritations on your feet leading to blisters and foot ulcers.  Avoid buying socks which are too thick and bulky.

•       Non Binding – your socks should not be too tight, as this could slow down or even stop your blood circulation.  You want to choose socks which do not have elastic at the top, but will stay up by themselves.

•       Fitted socks - these are usually more comfortable for diabetes sufferers as they will not bunch up as much. Try experimenting with a few styles to see what feels comfortable on your feet.

Diabetic socks really are the best solution for keeping your feet in excellent condition. As well as being more comfortable and lightweight, these socks are perfect for those with extra sensitive feet.  Diabetic socks are found in most department stores alongside regular socks and can also be purchased online for extra shopping convenience.

Diabetes and Foot Problems

Diabetes is known for being the worst disease that can do damage to your feet.  There are two types of diabetes, Type l and Type ll. Type l is normally related to juvenile diabetes and is often a hereditary disease. The Type ll is more usually known as adult diabetes and is common in people who are overweight and is characterized by high blood sugar levels. 

There is also a pre-diabetes condition also known as Syndrome-X and this is related to high blood pressure levels, people having a high BMI and high cholesterol level often develop this form.  This type can also be associated with the onset of neuropathy, which is the loss of feeling or a tingling sensation in the feet and hands.

The most common foot problem that a person with diabetes can have is in developing foot ulcers. These ulcers will develop on the plantar or bottom of the foot.  This occurs because the person cannot feel the bottom of their foot, when a sore develops it often goes untreated and can develop into a serious ulcer or infection. If this becomes really bad then losing a limb becomes a real possibility.

Treating foot problems is the major concern here. Your family doctor or podiatrist will work to relieve the pressure on your foot, along with preventing any serious infections from developing.

It is really important as a diabetic patient to take care of your feet.  Wearing a good pair of diabetic shoes and socks, possibly along with diabetic insoles is one of the best ways to prevent foot problems from even starting.

A simple way to take care of your feet is to keep your feet clean, washing with warm water and soap every day. Many diabetic patients enjoy using foot spas and these can prove to be really therapeutic.  Diabetics may not have good nerving endings in their feet and can easily burn themselves by using hot water.

Athletes’ foot is another condition which is common in someone suffering from diabetes. If you are suffering from this it is best to change your shoes every other day. Doing this allows lots of time for your shoes to dry out completely.  If you don’t have a pair of diabetes socks, then wear cotton socks which are absorbent as well as applying foot powder daily.

Taking steps to improve your circulation is a huge help in ensuring your feet stay healthy. Massage your legs and feet daily to improve circulation.  Even foot boots are very useful and inexpensive.

By taking proper precautions you can keep your foot health in top shape and not have to worry about developing dangerous diabetes foot problems including sores and ulcers.