Diabetic foot, after all it is your foot!
- Diabetic foot is a very common complication of diabetes, particularly in long standing diabetes or untreated kinds.
- Amputation of legs due to diabetes related complication is the second most common cause for amputations after traffic accidents.
- Diabetic foot infections can be limb threatening and/ or life threatening.You can prevent this dreaded complication by taking some simple measures every day.
- If you are a smoker stop now. If you have high cholesterol control it now.
- Always maintain good control of blood sugar level and be regular with your medicines and insulin.
- Walking is a MUST, if you want to prevent diabetic foot complication, please walk, walk, walk, at least 3-5 km in day.
- Please make sure you wear good quality sports foot wear while going for walk.
- Never walk bare foot, even inside house wear comfortable sandals, while going out wear shoes. No chappals please.
- Wear cotton socks, every day a freshly washed pair socks must be used.
- Wash your feet twice a day with normal soap and water, pay special attention to space between toes, dry feet with towel, and apply any moisturiser, even liquid paraffin or coconut oil is good enough.
- At bed time gently massage your feet for about 10-15 minute, it helps to improve circulation in the small blood vessels.
- Take vitamins B complex and omega 3 fatty acid supplements every day, it prevents degeneration of small nerves, a major contributor to diabetic foot.
- Take care while cutting toe nails, do not try to cut the nails too short or you may end up injuring the skin, sometimes it is better to use a nail file.
- If you notice an injury, scratch or crack on the foot, sole or any where on foot, immediately see a doctor, no matter how small the injury is.
- These simple measures can save your limbs from dreaded diabetic foot, you need to do it every day, life long.