Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by complications of diabetes on the nerve and / or blood vessels. Nerve damage from diabetes causes loss of sensation in the feet. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. The nerves that carry pain sensations normally to the brain of the foot is not functioning properly. Diabetics can suffer injuries due to stepping on something, wearing tight shoes, or stumble without knowing it until days or weeks.
Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers can vary from a kind of shallow red crater that involves only the skin surface to very deep and broad that involve tendons, bones and other deep structures. In advanced stages, ulcers can develop into an abscess (pus pocket), spreading infection of the skin and underlying fat (cellulitis), bone infection (osteomyelitis) or gangrene. Gangrene is dark and dead tissue caused by poor blood flow.
In general, diabetic foot ulcers can be divided into the following stages:
• Stage 0: No injuries, but no foot deformity or callus formation.
• Stage 1: a small shallow ulcer
• Stage 2: ulcer that extends into the bone or joint capsule
• Phase 3: Ulcer with infection, abscess or osteomyelitis
• Phase 4: Network on the front foot or the heel of death (gangrene)
• Stage 5: The network in the area around the legs off
• Check your feet regularly every day, especially on the soles and the spaces between the fingers. Ask your relatives for help if you have vision problems that can not inspect their own feet. Notice if there are skin tears, bruises, rashes, blisters, or calluses. Consult a doctor immediately if you encounter any problems in the legs that do not heal within a few days.
• Wash your feet daily with mild soap. Soak the feet with a temperature of 37 ° to 38 ° C for three to five minutes, then wash with mild soap. Diabetics with neuropathy are often less sensitive to temperature. Use a thermometer to make sure the water temperature is too high.
• Cut the nails on your toes with caution. Enlist the help of relatives if you can not afford to cut your own nails.
• Brush the legs with a moisturizing cream to prevent cracking, especially in the space between the toes.
• Use footwear. Do not walk barefoot. Use sandals or shoes that are not too loose or tight, with good cushioning. If you have experienced foot deformity, use shoes that have been customized with your feet. Doctors may recommend a specially designed shoe (orthopedic footwear) conform to the shape of your foot.
• Choose socks with a high cotton content so easily absorbs sweat and does not irritate.
• Schedule visits to the doctor. Patients with diabetes should see a doctor at least once a year. The doctor will examine your foot to see the early signs of neurological disorders or the blood circulation and other foot problems.
Posted in: Diabetes
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