Tips for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

There are many things a diabetic person has to keep track of throughout every day. When did you last eat, when are you going to eat next, how much sugar is in this, how many carbs did you eat, what your blood sugar is, did you check your blood sugar recently?—And plenty of other things the average person only thinks about for weight loss, if at all.

Another incredibly important piece of the diabetic puzzle is the foot, and not enough attention is given to the health of the diabetic foot. People spend so much time thinking of blood sugar and food, but forget to monitor their foot for possible infections, sores, and ulcers. But this lack of attention can lead to the unnecessary loss of the foot.

Diabetic foot ulcers only occur in 15% of people with diabetes, but are involved in 84% of lower leg amputations. So while it may be fairly rare, it is incredibly serious.

There are steps a diabetic person can take to help prevent this loss. These are some ideas for diabetic foot loss prevention.

• See a doctor regularly: It’s easy to brush aside injuries or cuts, but a doctor is better suited to decide what’s noteworthy and what will be okay.
• Diabetic footwear: Sock and shoes specifically designed to keep blood flowing and help prevent injuries that can lead to worse situations. These items should be inspected every week or so for weaknesses or holes.
• Hygiene: Keep it clean, dry, and safe.
• Regular inspection of the feet: Any cuts, lesions, scrapes, or blisters can lead to a foot ulcer.
• Proper care for injuries: Avoid astringents, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, foot soaks, and heating pads. Even well-intentioned foot care can exacerbate the situation, possibly leading to a foot ulcer.

While there are many problems that could lead to foot ulcers and foot amputations, proper attention and care should help prevent anything so drastic. A doctor should still be contacted if wounds don’t heal in a reasonable time or seem abnormal or infected. Not every stubbed toe or blister is a death sentence, as long as the diabetic person pays attention to his body and seeks medical attention when necessary.

If you have questions regarding diabetic foot ulcers, their prevention, diagnosis or prognosis, contact the Foot & Ankle Associates, Inc. for a consultation. The Santa Fe podiatrist offices can help ease your worries and set up a plan for the care of your diabetes and your feet. Order their free Foot and Ankle Health Book online.