Let’s face it, diabetic foot can quietly become one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes. Not only can they cause significant pain as well as discomfort, but if left unmanaged, they can lead to serious infections and, in severe cases, may even lead to amputation. In India, diabetic foot affects a significant proportion of people with diabetes, with recent studies reporting a prevalence of approximately 6.2%. Without following proper diabetic foot care guidelines, this problem can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications and reduced quality of life.
Nonetheless, with the right knowledge, daily care, and timely medical attention, most diabetic foot complications are preventable.
Why Diabetic Foot Management is Important
Considering the fact that diabetes affects both nerve function as well as blood circulation, the feet become particularly vulnerable to infection. Furthermore, high blood sugar levels can cause severe nerve damage, which can reduce sensation in the feet. This, in turn, makes it easier for foot injuries to go unnoticed. Diabetes also often impairs blood circulation that significantly slows down the healing process and increases the risk of getting infections.
These issues may necessitate limb amputation.
Apart from the physical issues, diabetic foot can also significantly reduce mobility, independence. It also causes economic burden due to frequent medical visits as well as treatments.
Needless to say, adopting comprehensive diabetic foot management practices is crucial, not only to prevent infections, but also to maintain overall health.
Tips to Manage Diabetic Foot
Keep your feet clean and moisturised
Since diabetic foot complications often occur due to unnoticed skin injuries and cracked skin, making sure the feet are always clean and moisturised is vital. Make sure you gently wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and a mild soap, taking care to dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections caused by trapped moisture. Furthermore, you should also avoid prolonged soaking, which can strip natural oils and dry out your skin.
After washing your feet, apply a nourishing moisturiser to keep your skin soft and prevent cracks but make sure you never apply lotion between the toes to reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth.
Wear Proper Footwear
In addition to keeping your feet clean and moisturised, make sure you wear proper footwear. You should buy supportive shoes that protect your feet from injury and pressure. Avoid walking barefoot, even when you are at your home, to prevent cuts. Special diabetic shoes can offer extra cushioning and significantly reduce pressure points.
Manage Blood Sugar and Regularly See Your Healthcare Provider
One of the best ways to manage diabetic foot complications is by keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Furthermore, consistently high glucose levels can damage nerves, which in turn can reduce sensation and slow down the healing process. In addition to daily self-care, schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider or podiatrist to monitor your foot health.
Trim Toenails Carefully
It goes without saying that proper nail care plays an essential role in preventing foot injuries and infections. After cutting your nails, gently file the edges to smooth out any sharp corners that could scratch or irritate the surrounding skin.
Always keep in mind that you should never round the corners of your toenails or dig into the sides, as this increases the risk of cuts and infections, especially if you have reduced sensation in your feet. If you have thickened, discoloured, or hard-to-cut nails, or if you notice signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider or podiatrist. Make sure you avoid attempting self-treatment in these cases, as improper care can also worsen the condition.
Routine, gentle nail maintenance helps reduce the risk of complications and supports overall foot health, especially for those living with diabetes.
Daily foot check
Performing a daily foot exam is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prevent diabetic foot complications. Make sure you look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any signs of infection. Use a mirror or ask for help if you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet. Besides, early detection of any issue can prevent minor problems from becoming severe.
By keeping in mind the above-mentioned diabetic foot guidelines, prevent serious complications like infections or amputations and keep diabetic foot complications at bay.
Are you noticing unusual pain, discolouration, or wounds that won’t heal on your feet? Call Dr. Gaurav today at +91 9082 3947 87 to schedule an appointment for non-surgical diabetic foot care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early warning signs of diabetic foot?
Some of the early signs of diabetic foot include:
Dry, cracked skin on your feet
Thick, yellow toenails
Tingling or pain in your feet
How many times feet should be checked in people with diabetes?
Feet should be inspected daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any unusual changes to catch problems early and prevent complications.
Can diabetic foot be treated without surgery?
Yes, absolutely, early-stage diabetic foot conditions can often be managed with non-surgical treatments if they are caught in time.
When to see a doctor for a diabetic foot issue?
You should see a doctor immediately if you notice any wounds, swelling, redness, or if a blister or cut is not healing within a few days.
