Guide To Treating Diabetic Foot

Individuals with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet. Since the feet are the furthest from the heart, it takes the most effort and time to supply them with blood. When dealing with diabetes, patients can suffer from peripheral arterial disease, which reduces the blood flow to the feet. Additionally, an individual with diabetes can suffer from nerve disease, reducing feeling and sensation in the feet. Given these serious issues, patients with diabetes should follow some guidelines when taking care of their feet and understand some of the procedures they may need to have done.

Wear Supportive Compression Socks

If a patient with diabetes wears supportive compression socks, they will increase blood flow to their feet. These kinds of socks compress the lower leg and force blood through the leg, reducing swelling and letting the patient help keep their legs and feet healthy. However, a patient needs to consult with their doctor to determine if compression socks are right for them. Patients with diabetes should use only a mild compression sock. There are compression socks on the market geared towards individuals with diabetes. For instance, they are seamless, so they will not rub against the skin causing skin irritation. They are moisture-wicking and breathable to keep the feet dry, but they are designed to keep the feet warm to enhance blood circulation. Additionally, these socks are usually padded to protect the feet from injury and fitted so loose fabric does not rub against the skin. These can be worn daily.

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Keep Wounds Clean

It is crucial to keep wounds clean and dry because individuals with diabetes typically heal slower than others, and keeping the wounds clean help facilitate healing. If the wound is not kept clean, it can become infected. Then, the infection can grow and begin destroying the surrounding areas. These infections can threaten the foot and leg, and if they are not taken care of, the infection can lead to amputation. However, even if the wound does not spread, it needs to be cleaned for however long it takes to heal. Non-healing wounds can lead to the need for surgical intervention or immobilization devices. These are serious situations, that if not successful in getting a wound under control, may lead to surgery and possibly amputation.

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