Tips To Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Developing foot ulcers can be one of the most problematic things for you, especially when you have diabetes. If not treated properly, they can cause permanent damage and affect your mobility.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound, usually on the bottom of the foot, close to the big toe. It can also be on the ankle or the leg, on the surface of the skin, or extended deep into it. A diabetic foot ulcer occurs in more than 15 percent of the diabetic population and in some extreme cases of ulcers, the person may have to go through an amputation. If you are a diabetic person, it is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control and wear the best shoes for foot ulcers.
Fortunately, these ulcers are manageable and can be prevented using the right foot care. One of the best ways to manage them is by following a healthy diet, exercise routine, and keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Here are some more tips that you can follow to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
1.Cleaning your feet every day
Make sure to follow a healthy and daily foot care routine by washing your feet every day with warm water. You can also use a pumice stone to scrub the areas with dry skin, however, avoid scrubbing too hard. Pat your skin dry, especially between the toes. After this, moisturize the feet using any foot cream, lotion, or anything prescribed by your physician.
2.Trim your nails with caution
Being a diabetic person, it is essential to cut your nails carefully to avoid any kind of injury to your toes. If not done properly, it can cause severe wounds. For that reason, make sure to cut your nails straight at all times. If you are unable to cut them properly, ask someone else to do the job for you.
3.Avoid smoking
Smoking can cause severe health problems in diabetic patients such as reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood and more. All these problems can cause more serious issues such as poor healing of wounds. For that reason, the best way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to quit smoking altogether.
4.Avoid removing corns on your own
In case you develop any corns in your feet, avoid removing them on your own and take the help of your physician. Removing corns on your own using homemade recipes or tools can result in contamination and cause more damage to your foot. You will get nothing but more wound, pain, and a risk of infection.
5.Wear the right shoes
Another great and simple tip to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to wear perfectly fit shoes with medial arch support insoles. Avoid wearing tight, high heels or narrow shoes or you can also buy the best shoes for foot ulcers.
Along with following these tips, also make sure to get frequent checkups with your physician for any unseen complications that may arise.