'Diabetic foot' is one of the many complications of long standing poorly/uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. It may manifest as
- Foot ulcer or
- Deformed foot or
- Gangrene foot or
- Hot, red & swollen foot.
Whatever the presentation, the main pathology is either and/or combination of
- Abnormal nerve (peripheral neuropathy), and
- Abnormal blood supply (peripheral vascular disease due to ischemia) of the affected limb.
All the diabetic patients should take care of their feet so that the above mentioned problems can be prevented. The preventable advises are:
- Inspect feet every day to see any kind of trivial trauma
- Wash feet every day
- If the skin is dry moisturise it
- Cut or file toenails on regular basis
- Change socks or stockings every day
- Do not walk in barefoot
- Check footwear for any kind of foreign bodies
- Wear suitable, well-fittind shoes
- If there is any minor cuts, cover those with sterile dressing
- If develops any blisters in the feet, do not burst
- Avoid over-the-counter corn/callus remedies
- Do not try to remove corn at home by yourself
- Avoid high and low temperatures
- Be in touch with a podiatrist to get regular and effective advice about the feet
- Consult with an orthotist to get a properly fitted suitable orthotic footwear for your feet.
[Image corn in feet is reproduced from Youtube]
[Image of callus in foot reproduced from askboard]
