Foot Ulcer

 

Common complications of diabetes are foot ulcer which is not being managed by any methods like diet, exercise and insulin treatment. Foot ulcers are formed when the skin tissues break down and expose the layers underneath.

These types of ulcers are commonly found under your big toes and the balls of your feet and they can also affect your bones through your feet.

People with diabetes can develop foot ulcers, preventing them by good foot care. Diabetic foot ulcers treatment will vary depending on their causes. Discuss with your doctor about your foot problems to ensure that it’s not a serious problem, because infected ulcers will result in amputation if neglected.

Foot ulcer Symptoms

Some basic symptoms of foot ulcers include:

  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Darkened skin
  • Foul smell
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blisters or other wounds on the foot
  • An ulcer that does not heal quickly

Risk Factors

  • High blood sugar levels
  • Smoking
  • Nerve damage in the feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Calluses or corns
  • Foot deformities
  • Having Poor blood circulation to the arms and legs
  • A history of foot ulcers
  • A past amputation
  • Vision problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Having High blood pressure, above 140/80 mm Hg

Signs of trouble for Foot ulcers

Contact your healthcare provider if your feet have:

  • Any Ingrown toenails
  • Any Blisters
  • Any Flesh-colored bumps with dark specks (plantar warts) on the bottoms of your feet
  • Any Athlete's foot
  • Any open sore or bleeding
  • Any Swelling
  • Any Redness
  • Any Warmth in one area
  • Any Pain (though you may not feel anything if you have nerve damage)
  • Any Discolored skin
  • Any foul odor
  • Any ulcer that lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks
  • Any ulcer bigger than 3/4 inch (2 centimeters)
  • Any sore that doesn't quickly begin to heal
  • Any ulcer so deep you can see the bone underneath

Causes of diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic people with ulcers are mostly caused by:

  • poor circulation
  • high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • nerve damage
  • irritated or wounded feet

Vascular disease can develop by poor blood circulation in which blood does not flow to your feet properly. It can also make it more difficult for ulcer people to heal.

Sugar management is critical for those who are having an infected foot ulcer, high glucose levels slow down the healing process of infection. Type 2 diabetic people and other ailments have a harder time fighting against infection from ulcers.

Long-term effects of nerve damage can lead to loss of feeling in your feet. That damaged nerves can feel more painful. Nerve damage reduces sensitivity to foot pain and painless wounds which cause ulcers.

Preventing foot ulcers

The best way of preventing diabetic complications like Foot ulcers is to manage your diabetes under control. More ways to prevent this include a healthy diet, exercising regularly, checking your blood sugar regularly and taking your medicine correctly.

And most importantly, taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems. It can also make sure to get medical care quickly when you have problems. Maintain proper foot care which includes:

Look at your feet daily.

Make sure to check if your feet have any traces once a day for blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, tenderness or swelling. If you have any troubles like reaching your feet, use a hand mirror to see the problems on your feet. You should put the mirror on the floor if you can’t hold it or ask someone to help you to hold it.

Wash your feet every day.

Regularly, Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot) water once a day. Gently dry them particularly between the toes. Use a stone of pumice to gently rub the skin where calluses easily form. To keep the skin dry, Put talcum powder or cornstarch powder between your toes. To keep the skin soft, use any moisture cream or lotion on the tops and bottom of the foot. To prevent cracks in dry skin helps to keep bacteria from getting in.

Don't remove any thick skin or other foot wounds yourself.

Try to avoid hurting your skin, don’t use any nail file, clipper or scissors on calluses, corns or warts. Don’t use any chemical wart removers to prevent ulcers.

See your healthcare provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues.

Cut your toenails carefully.

Regularly trim your nails. Cut your nails straight across. You Should carefully sharp ends with an emery board. Ask help from someone, if you can’t trim your nails by yourself.

Don't go barefoot.

Don’t go barefoot, even around your house to keep from hurting your foot.

Wear clean, dry socks.

To prevent foot problems, wear socks which pull sweat away from your skin. Materials like cotton and any special acrylic fibers not nylon. Don't wear the socks which have tight elastic bands which reduces blood circulation. Try to avoid socks with seams that irritate your skin.

Buy shoes that fit correctly.

Make sure that you buy your shoes comfortable for you that provides support and cushioning for the heel, arch and ball of the foot. Try to avoid wearing shoes like tightfitting and high heels or narrow shoes that crowd your toes.

If one of the foot is bigger than the other, you should buy shoes in larger sizes. Your healthcare provider recommends you specially designed shoes. Those shoes fit the exact shape of your feet, make sure your weight is the same on both feet

Don't smoke.

Smoking and second-hand smoking makes it harder for your blood flow through your body. Smoking will reduce the level of oxygen in your blood flow. These problems make your wounds more worsen and slow down the healing process. Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to quit smoking.

Schedule regular foot check-ups.

Schedule regular check-ups with your provider or podiatrist can look at your feet for any signs of nerve damage, poor circulation or other foot problems. Try to have a foot exam at least once a year or more if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

If you are caught early, foot ulcers are treatable. See your healthcare provider right away if you develop a sore on your foot, as the infection of foot increases the longer you wait. Most importantly, untreated infections will require amputations.

Diabetic foot ulcers will take several months to weeks to heal. While your ulcers heal, follow your treatment plan.

If your blood sugar is high, ulcers may take longer to heal and it's like giving constant pressure to the ulcer.

The most effective way of healing your foot ulcers is to keep a diet that helps you meet your glucose level control and off-load pressure from your feet.

Once your ulcer has healed, consistent preventive measures will help you to stop an ulcer from even returning.


Location: India

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