Foot-Care for Diabetics
By Saema Naqvi

A ROUGH estimate manifests that after every fifteen second, someone loses his or her foot in different parts of the world.

Eighty five percent of the foot amputations are because of Diabetes Mellitis and 90% of these amputations are preventable by absolute care of diabetic foot.

The ideal management of diabetes would allow patients to lead a completely normal life and uncontrolled diabetes leads to deadly complications.

One of the most important and horrible of theses complications is diabetic foot problems. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to poor circulation and nerve diseases (Diabetic Neuropathy).

Diabetic Neuropathy can cause loss of ability to feel pain, heat, cold and touch on foot. Even patient is unable to know that one shoe is put off during walking and he continues to walk barefooted and gets injuries on foot.

These injuries, if remain undiagnosed and untreated, become ulcerated and infected and in presence of high blood sugar levels, they do not heal and eventually lead to amputation.

Simple daily foot care can prevent serious problems. The patient and his family both should take care of his/her feet. First of all, all possible efforts must be made to control blood sugar so that healing process may become possible.

Every day feet must be checked for any cut, blister, sore or ulcer. .Examination must made be thoroughly and mirror should be used to see underneath of foot. A family member may be asked to examine the foot condition.

It is a routine saying that feet of a diabetic person should be cleaner than his face. Feet must be properly washed everyday.

Most of the diabetic patients present in hospitals with burnt feet because feet cannot detect the hot water and it may leads to amputation. A relative must check water before patient uses it or patient himself check it by a thermometer tied on his elbow.

Recently, a patient was brought to a local hospital with whole one foot burnt by silencer of motorcycle. He was even unable to detect the temperature of the extremely high hot silencer.

Patient should wear shoes and socks all the time, even while being at home. The reason is that use of socks can absorb moisture and shock. Hence, such a routine is Must.

Dry-off the feet well after washing and must not forget to dry the area between the fingers. Must never use lotion between the toes and rather use talcum powder. Better put coat of skin lotion on top and bottom of feet to keep the skin smooth and soft.

The patient must use the shoes, made of soft material like rubber and the shoes must be flat to prevent trauma. Before putting up shoes, always check inside by hands to remove any pebble, pins etc. In winter, must avoid feet from cold. Should better ask any family member to check his/her feet for temperature. Lined boots help to keep the foot warm.

To keep adequate blood supply to the foot, better put feet up while sitting. Keep moving foot up and down and in and out three to four times a day. Never cross legs for long period of time and never use tight socks and shoes. Avoid smoking because it reduces blood flow. Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Walking, swimming and cycling are good exercises for foot. Avoid running and jumping as they put pressure on diabetic foot. Must visit doctor for once in six months to check sense of feeling and pulses of foot. In case of any prick, burn, or sore on foot, immediately contact the doctor to prevent huge wound and amputation. Keep asking your doctor about foot care tips.

These simple measures can reduce the risk of amputation to 95% in diabetic patients.

[The article has been contributed via Email by a noted writer, associated with medical profession]●

© 2007 Saema Naqvi