header
home pagecontentcontact
Google
 
Overview Content
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES

What's new in diabetes care
Introduction to diabetes
Types of diabetes
Diagnosis
Risk factors & screening

MANAGING DIABETES

Treatment
Oral medications
Insulin therapy
Dietary therapy
Physical exercise

MONITORING DIABETES

Glucose monitoring
Self blood glucose monitoring

DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS
Acute complications
Diabetic eye disease
Neuropathy
Diabetic foot problems
Nephropathy
Large vessel disease
DIABETES RELATED PROBLEMS
Diabetes and the skin
Metabolic syndrome
Depression and diabetes
Diabetes in pregnancy

 

 

Diabetic foot problems

  • Diabetic foot problems
  • Some tips for good foot care

........................................................................................................................................................................

Diabetic foot problems

Foot complications are common in people with diabetes. Lifetime risk of foot ulcer, with or without infection, could be as high as 25%. Diabetic foot complications are therefore a major cause of non-traumatic amputations. Dry skin, cracking, swelling, corn and callus formation, joint deformity (Charcot’s joint) are common. These are the results of combination of nerve damage, poor blood supply and infection, leading to gangrene and amputation.

Advice on proper footwear and patient education on daily care of their feet would help greatly in prevention of diabetic foot complications. (see tips below)

trophic ulcer Trophic ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcer formed over the pressure area
toeulcer Diabetic foot ulcer
Infected ulcer over big toe
Charcot Charcot's joint
Deformity developed at the ankle due to sensory neuropathy

Some tips for good foot care:

  • Wash the feet daily in warm water and keep it clean and dry
  • Never walk barefoot but always wear slipper or shoes
  • Cut the nails straight across
  • Choose proper footwear with plenty of room and not too tight
  • Check the shoes for foreign bodies before wearing
  • Examine the feet daily for blisters, corns or sores
 
 
Copyright © 2006 abcofdiabetes.com