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Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot refers to a group of complications that can arise in individuals with diabetes, primarily due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (vascular disease) affecting the feet. It’s a serious condition that can lead to ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation if not properly managed.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. This can result in loss of sensation (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), making it difficult to feel pain, heat, or cold in the feet.
- Vascular Disease: Diabetes can lead to damage to blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet (peripheral artery disease). Poor circulation impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Foot Deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or Charcot foot (a condition where bones weaken and fracture) can develop due to nerve damage and pressure from ill-fitting shoes.
- Poor Foot Care: Neglecting to inspect and care for the feet regularly, including trimming nails improperly or wearing shoes that don’t fit well, can contribute to diabetic foot complications.
Symptoms
- Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the feet.
- Pain: Sharp or burning pain, especially at night.
- Changes in Skin: Dry skin, cracks, or ulcers.
- Infections: Swelling, redness, warmth, and drainage from wounds.
- Poor Nail Health: Thickened or discolored toenails.
Prevention and Management
- Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining blood glucose levels within target range to reduce risk of neuropathy and vascular complications.
- Foot Care Routine: Daily inspection of feet for cuts, blisters, or sores. Keeping feet clean and moisturized, trimming nails carefully, and wearing properly fitting shoes and socks.
- Regular Check-ups: Annual foot exams by healthcare providers to assess sensation, circulation, and skin condition.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight to improve circulation and overall health.
- Prompt Treatment of Problems: Seeking medical attention promptly for any foot injuries, infections, or changes in sensation.
- Footwear and Orthotics: Wearing supportive shoes that fit well and using orthotic inserts if recommended by a healthcare provider.
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