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Last updated on September 3rd, 2024
Diabetic foot refers to various foot problems that develop due to complications from diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and lead to poor blood circulation, which further increases the risk of foot injuries and infections. Proper foot care is very important for people with diabetes to prevent serious complications, including infections that can lead to amputation. Daily foot inspections, good hygiene, wearing comfortable footwear, and regular medical check-ups are necessary for managing and preventing diabetic foot problems. By taking proactive steps, people with diabetes can maintain foot health and avoid potentially severe consequences.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetic foot problems occur due to two major complications that are related to diabetes, like nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels in the body, which can damage nerves, particularly in the legs and feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. The nerve damage reduces the ability to feel pain, temperature, or injury in the feet. Diabetes can also cause peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which affects the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation makes it difficult for wounds or sores to heal, increasing the risk of infections.
Here are some common foot problems in people with diabetes:
Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy, according to research depicts the loss of sensation in the feet, which makes it difficult for individuals to notice injuries, blisters, or cuts, leading to untreated wounds that can become infected later.
Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the bottom of the foot due to pressure, friction, and poor circulation.
Infections
People suffering from diabetes are generally prone to infections, cuts, blisters, or ulcers that are not promptly treated.
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Home Remedies for Diabetic Foot Care
Proper foot care is essential for people suffering from diabetes to prevent complications like infections, ulcers, and even amputations.
Foot Inspection
Daily foot inspections are important for people with diabetes. Since nerve damage (neuropathy) can cause loss of sensation in the feet, minor injuries or issues like cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed. Regular inspections help in identifying problems early.
Foot Washing and Moisturizing
Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to prevent irritation. Avoid soaking your feet, as this can dry out your skin. Dry your feet thoroughly, then apply hypoallergenic moisturizer to your feet to keep the skin soft and prevent cracking.
Nail and Callus Care
Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails, which can lead to infections. Do not attempt to remove corns or calluses with sharp tools, over-the-counter treatments, or acid-based products, as this can cause injuries or infections.
Foot Exercises and Massage:
To improve circulation and flexibility, simple exercises such as rotating your ankles, wiggling your toes, or stretching your feet must be performed. Doctors also strongly suggest this. Gently massage your feet with your hands or a foot roller to stimulate circulation.
Proper Footwear
Wearing the right footwear is essential to protect your feet from injury, provide support, and prevent pressure sores. Choose shoes that fit well, with good arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure evenly across your feet.
Keeping Feet Dry and Avoiding Irritation
Wear socks made from moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool to keep your feet dry and prevent fungal infections. Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors, to protect your feet from injury.
Natural Remedies for Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot is a serious resultant complication of diabetes and requires careful management to prevent infection and promote healing. It is important to follow medical advice, whereas some natural remedies can also help manage diabetic foot.
Aloe Vera
Applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to the affected part of the foot and helps cure the diabetic foot; its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties increase the chance of wound healing.
Honey
With proper well-defined research, it has been found that honey has natural antibacterial and wound-healing properties, which can help prevent infection and promote tissue regeneration.
Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which helps in fasten to heal the wound.
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Apply neem oil or a paste made from neem leaves to the wound. Neem has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, which are very beneficial for treating diabetic foot.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties that can aid in wound healing.
Read More: Ayurvedic Medicine and Diabetes
Lifestyle Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Proper foot care is important for people suffering from diabetes to prevent complications such as foot ulcers and infections. Incorporating certain lifestyle tips into your daily routine can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic foot complications.
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes in the skin or nails.
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
- Apply a moisturizer to your feet to prevent dry and cracked skin.
- Trim your toenails straight across and smooth the edges with a file, as doctors all over the medical field mostly advise. Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the corners to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Choose shoes that fit well and offer good support.
- Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
While daily foot care at home is essential, some specific signs and symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet that does not improve with rest or home remedies. It is important to seek medical advice. This could be a sign of a developing problem, such as an ulcer, infection, or nerve damage.
Swelling
Unexplained or persistent swelling in the feet or ankles may indicate an underlying issue, such as poor circulation, infection, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Changes in Skin Color
Skin that turns pale or bluish or becomes unusually cold or hot to the touch can indicate issues with blood flow or infection.
Numbness or Tingling
Sudden or worsening numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet can be a sign of worsening neuropathy or nerve damage. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
It is crucial for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups with their healthcare providers to monitor these symptoms.
Read More: Diabetes and Skin Problems
Conclusion
Proactive foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent serious complications. Key home remedies include daily foot inspections, gentle washing and moisturizing, safe nail and callus care, foot exercises, and wearing well-fitting, supportive footwear. By adopting these practices, you can effectively manage and prevent diabetic foot problems. Remember, early detection and consistent care are vital, so make these habits a part of your daily routine to maintain healthy feet.
FAQ’s(Frequently Asked Questions)
Over 15-20 % of people with diabetes experience issues like diabetic foot at some stage in their lives. Therefore, neglecting proper care and management of the condition can easily lead to the development of a severe condition
Some common home remedies for diabetic foot include flaxseed oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. While these natural ingredients have antibacterial and healing properties that can help ease the symptoms, they won’t completely solve the problem. It is important to see a vascular doctor right away for proper treatment.
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. If not properly managed, diabetic foot can lead to infections that may spread to the bone and cause tissue death, sometimes resulting in the need for amputation.
The standard approach to treating diabetic foot involves the application of appropriate dressings and topically-administered medications. This can vary from the use of simple saline solutions to more advanced products, such as growth factors, specialized ulcer dressings, and skin substitutes.
For individuals with diabetic foot concerns, walking can be an excellent form of physical activity to integrate into the daily routine. Walking is a simple, accessible, and cost-effective exercise option that offers numerous benefits for diabetes management.
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