Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and more pose harm to your whole body. A diabetic patient is prone to developing wounds in the feet. They are also more likely to develop conditions like diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular diseases. Therefore, these people also require additional care. In this article, Dr Anuj Chawla, a top foot and ankle specialist in Gurgaon shares his insights on how to care for a diabetic foot wound.
Dr Anuj Chawla can be contacted at the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital for foot problems.
What is a diabetic foot wound?
Before we look at the care for a wound, let us understand what a diabetic foot wound is. Diabetes is a condition in which a person lives with elevated sugar levels in the blood. If the blood sugar levels are not managed or controlled time to time, it can result in serious complications.
Diabetes, over a prolonged time, can cause nerve damage that can further lead to numbness or pain in the feet. Eventually, the skin tissue under the feet starts to break down resulting in the formation of a foot ulcer or a foot wound.
Due to sensitivity towards insulin (a hormone that absorbs sugar for energy), diabetic people can easily develop foot wounds. A small cut, scratch or blister can result in an ulcer or even infection.
How do I care for a diabetic foot wound?
Diabetes is a life-long condition but it is not necessary that you have to suffer from foot wounds through the course of your life. Foot wound care can be easily given and is highly effective. According to Dr Anuj Chawla, a leading foot and ankle specialist in Gurgaon, you should practice the following steps to care for a diabetic foot wound:
- Stay off your feet –
- If you are a diabetic patient, you should avoid walking at excessive lengths. It is essential that you moderately participate in physical activity. However, at other times, you should avoid putting any pressure on your feet. This approach is popularly known as off-loading.
- Invest in diabetic shoes – There are specially designed shoes to help people with diabetes care for their feet. The prevalence of diabetic foot wound is so high that these shoes are not considered rare. You should keep your comfort prior to anything else. Avoid wearing pointy and high heeled shoes that may cause harm. It is also suggested that you wear light comfortable socks to avoid wounds.
- Wash your feet daily – It is important that you keep your feet clean and dry. If moisture gets trapped in the feet, your risk of a wound increases. You should moisturize your feet properly without leaving it in. The aim should be to keep your feet clean and dry. You should clean your feet with soap and warm water every day to avoid diabetic foot wound.
- Keep your toenails trimmed – Uneven, pointy toenails can increase your odds of developing a foot wound. Lengthier toenails can easily hit and be harmed. They may also get stuck in certain pieces of clothing. It is essential that proper care must be maintained while trimming the nails. If you are a diabetic patient, avoid going to the salon or cutting your nails yourself. Instead, you should go to an expert to personalized care.
- Check your feet daily – You should examine the state of your feet every day if you have diabetes. Sometimes foot ulcers develop overtime. They also cause numbness in the feet due to which these wounds may go unnoticed. It is, thus, important to keep a check on the health of your feet. You should thoroughly scan both your feet each day and watch out for any atypical changes.
For more information on foot ulcers, you can visit the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital for foot problems.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetic-foot-pain-and-ulcers-causes-treatments#prevention
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/diabetes-wounds-caring-sores
