Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 6, 2017 3:26 PM IST
Dr Tushar D Rege, Diabetic foot surgeon, M.S. (Mum). Fellowship in Diabetic Foot Surgery (MUHS), Mumbai says that one should take care of the feet as one takes care of their face. As most diabetics have neuropathy it is important to ensure that you control your blood glucose level. Also, a decrease in the blood flow in the feet (known as vasculopathy) can increase the risk of infection, which can even put you at risk of amputation. Here are few dos and don'ts you need to follow to lower your risk of food injury and infections. You may also like to read expert tips to buy footwear for diabetics.
1. Dr Tushar counsels the patients to check their feet daily. If a person is not able to do so, then either the relatives, family members or caregivers must ensure this without fail. This is because diabetics might suffer an injury or trauma and not know or feel it until its full blown.
2. Aching is quite common in diabetics. However, if you suffer from feet pain or leg pain, avoid fomentation. It is highly recommended that a diabetic patient should not take any fomentation either as hot water bag or cloth soaked in hot water. If it causes any skin injury or if you have minor burns, diabetic who suffer from neuropathy might not be able to detect it.
3. Moisturise your legs. Wash your feet, pat it dry and then apply petroleum jelly on your entire feet. There is no need to apply on the sole of the feet.
4. While cutting nails, be careful. Please do cut it away from the skin as even as small injury can cause a problem. Some diabetics have hard nails, in such a case it is wise to go to a podiatrist for nail care. Also read how to deal with corn caps in diabetics?
5. If you experience any symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever (warmth in the legs) or pus discharge, then please consult your doctor. Do not ignore any symptoms of foot injury or signs fo infection as it can do more harm.
6. Also, diabetics should not go in for foot massages or spas because any injury or cut can not only take a long time to heal but also increase your risk of infections. If left unattended for long, it can also lead to diabetic gangrene. Read more on diabetic gangrene causes, symptoms, treatment.
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