Diabetes causes foot ulcerations in 15% of diabetics, with 80% of diabetic feet requiring amputation. Diabetic foot is one of the more serious complications in advanced stages of diabetes. Proper limb care can prevent the obvious risk of amputation. If you seek treatment for a diabetic foot in Las Olas, then the certified podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, are your best option. There are in-office and home remedies you can try to manage a diabetic foot. Read on to learn more.
What is Diabetic Foot Disease?
Diabetic foot disease encompasses all foot-related complications that high or low blood sugar level causes. Diabetes causes nerve damage in the feet, which aggravates underlying conditions or form new foot ulcerations.
Impact of Diabetic Foot Disease
Diabetic foot disease affects the feet in three significant ways.
- Peripheral vascular disease- Diabetes lowers overall body metabolism. Fatty deposits block major blood vessels conveying blood to and from the heart, especially arteries. The interrupted blood circulation prevents the fast healing of wounds. Limited blood flow also causes infections. The doctor may recommend amputation if the peripheral vascular disease is the origin of gangrene.
- Diabetic neuropathy- Over time, diabetes causes nerve damage. Nerve damage causes individuals not to feel sensations in the feet. The lack of sensory feeling is called diabetic neuropathy and can be severe when you do not feel cuts or sores in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy increases the risks of cuts, burns, and sores.
- Diabetic foot ulcers-Open wounds and ulcerations slowly heal when you have diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers start as minor injuries but worsen over time due to diminished body healing abilities.
Early intervention is essential for treating and curing some causes of diabetic foot disease before it worsens. You can try some of the remedies for diabetic foot disease. However, it is good practice to seek a qualified podiatrist’s guidance.
Treating Diabetic Foot Disease
Talcum powder is a general foot care product. Rubbing your feet with talcum powder prevents lesions and foot corns which worsen diabetic foot disease. Make it a regular habit to sprinkle some talcum powder on your feet after bathing, to ensure your feet are dry.
Wash your feet with warm water
Warm water softens the feet and improves blood circulation. A footbath of warm water and essential oils does magic to your feet. Foot baths rejuvenate your skin as well as increase sensory relay in your feet. You can customize your foot bath with Epsom salts too or any other salts with the required concentration.
Visit specialized centers for bunion removal
If you try to remove bunions yourself or even ingrown toenails, you may cut a blood vessel. Diabetic foot disease inhibits the relay of pain impulses. The pain and bleeding that occur after that are detrimental to your health. Visit a specialized center such as Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA for painless bunion removal.
Endovascular surgery
Endovascular surgery helps unclog the blocked arteries for better blood flow to your feet. Increased blood flow enables faster healing in the case of foot wounds.
Conclusion
Diabetic foot disease causes significant discomfort and may necessitate amputation. Early detection and treatment are key in managing diabetic foot disease. Visit the Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA center for effective treatment.
