If your diabetes has you worried about your feet, here are some suggestions to ensure that you stay on top of any potential problems.
Become informed. The more you know about glucose and how it can cause nerve and circulation issues, the better able you are to determine problems such as abrasions, cuts, and foot wounds.
Take a load off. Avoid putting pressure on foot wounds and abrasions. Consider pressure relieving footwear to reduce the pressure on wounds. If you’re suffering from plantar diabetic ulcers, you might want to consider a total contact cast or removable fixed-ankle boot.
Have your feet tested. Get an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test which reads the blood pressure at the ankle. And it’s important to get a probe-to-bone and x-rays if your feet has diabetic ulcers.
The more you know about glucose and how it can cause nerve and circulation issues, the better able you are to detect problems.
Remove the dead. Dead or dying tissue might need to be cut away to prevent infections. The procedure is recommended for all infected ulcers.
Ask yourself. Are your feet sore, numb or tingling? Has one foot begun to look different than the other? Have your feet become dry, calloused or blistered? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should discuss the problem with your doctor sooner rather than later.
