7 Tips To Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcer Complications
If you have diabetes, it’s important to take care of your feet. In fact, one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their life. You should try to prevent diabetic foot ulcer complications if you can.
Foot ulcers are sores or wounds that occur on the feet, and they can quickly become infected. If left untreated, foot ulcers might lead to severe complications, including amputation. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent foot ulcers from developing in the first place.
Here are 7 tips to help you keep your feet healthy and avoid complications:
1. Keep your blood sugar under control
One of the most important things you may do to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar may harm the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, making them more susceptible to ulcers.
2. Inspect your feet every day
If you have diabetes, it’s important to inspect your feet every day for any cuts, scrapes, or sores. If you see anything that looks concerning, don’t hesitate to call your doctor since early treatment can prevent serious complications.
3. Keep your feet clean and dry
Wash your feet every day with warm and clean water and mild soap, and make sure to dry them completely afterwards, especially between the toes. Fungal infections are common in people with diabetes, so it’s important to keep your feet as clean and dry as possible.
4. Wear socks and shoes at all times
Wearing shoes and socks helps protect your feet from cuts and scrapes, so make sure to always put them on before you walk around. If you’re going to be barefoot, inspect your feet first to make sure there are no open wounds.
5. Consider insoles or orthotics
If you have diabetes, you might be at risk for foot problems like bunions or hammertoes. Wearing insoles for diabetics or orthotics can help relieve pressure on your feet and prevent these issues from developing into ulcers.
And places like Protalus are great for this, you can get more information and see what type of insoles would work best for your condition.
6. Don’t smoke
Smoking is harmful to your overall health, but it’s especially dangerous for people with diabetes. This is because smoking increases your risk for peripheral artery disease, which can lead to foot ulcers. Consider giving up smoking to prevent diabetic foot ulcer complications.
7. See your doctor regularly
If you have diabetes, you must see your doctor for regular checkups. This way, they can monitor your blood sugar levels and look for any early signs of foot problems.
If you have an ulcer, they can also provide treatment to help prevent serious complications.
Keep Your Feet Healthy
As we wrap up this article on diabetic foot ulcer prevention, it’s important to remember that while some of these nine tips may seem like common sense, they are still crucial in preventing serious complications down the road.
Ulcers can be incredibly dangerous for diabetics and often lead to amputation if not treated properly. So make sure you follow these guidelines faithfully and encourage your loved ones with diabetes to do the same!
With a little care, you may help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and keep your feet healthy for years to come.