Diabetes patients deal with a lot of unfortunate complications as a result of the condition. For instance, foot care is more crucial than ever, as 1 out of 10 patients suffer from foot ulcers. They develop from small, seemingly harmless blisters on the feet, eventually spreading and requiring amputation if left untreated.
Fortunately, by religiously practising diabetes foot care, you can avoid these complications. However, it’s important to understand diabetes foot, the causes behind it, and the ways you can treat it. Here’s what you need to know:
There are two types of problems caused by diabetes that lead to diabetes feet. The first is diabetes neuropathy, which occurs when uncontrolled diabetes damages the feet’s nerves, resulting in sensation problems. As a result, the individual cannot feel any pain, heat, or cold, which means they won’t realise when they’ve been injured. The lack of awareness will increase the chances of wounds worsening or getting infected. It further complicates the muscles malfunctioning since the nerve is already damaged, resulting in a foot alignment imbalance, putting more pressure in a specific area of the foot.
Another issue is peripheral vascular disease, which occurs when diabetes limits normal blood flow. Without proper circulation in the arms and legs, a wound will take even longer to heal completely, exponentially increasing the chances of gangrene or developing an ulcer.
Diabetes foot is an incredibly complex problem to solve, making it crucial to treat any ulcers right away. Working with Brisbane physiotherapy specialists will ensure that you get the best quality of care available in managing your diabetes feet, as they can prescribe a treatment regime that best fits your situation.
Diabetes foot treatment involves surrounding the wound in a moist environment every day, including the application of a saline solution and dressing the foot. It’s important to change the dressing regularly to minimise the risk of infection while facilitating the wound’s healing.
If the patient is experiencing cellulitis or osteomyelitis, a physiotherapist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. These specialists can also help you control your blood sugar, ensuring that your condition doesn’t cause an infection in your toes or nails, known as diabetic toes.
As diabetes can result in nerve damage or restricted circulation of blood, leading to infections, it is crucial to practise diligent foot care to stay healthy. A regular medical checkup with a doctor and at a Brisbane physio clinic will help you keep a close eye on your feet and your blood sugar. It’s also a good idea to exercise every day and eat a balanced diet of vegetables and fruits to support a healthy system.
Apart from maintaining physical wellness, it’s crucial to inspect your feet, even when you don’t feel any pain. That way, you’re well aware of any blisters, soreness, and redness that must be treated immediately. It’s also important to wash your feet regularly with mild soap and warm water, but be sure to check the temperature with your fingers to avoid damaging your feet further. Ensure that you thoroughly dry your feet after to prevent any infections and moisturise them properly.
Dealing with diabetes is a lifelong battle that can cause many complications, but dealing with it will be much more comfortable with a physiotherapist by your side. By regularly meeting with this mobility specialist and keeping these tips in mind, you can manage your diabetes and enjoy a more comfortable life.
Anytime Physio is a Brisbane physiotherapy clinic offering physiotherapy services of all kinds. Our team of medical professionals treat each of our patients with the utmost care and ensure the best possible results for your healing. Contact us today to book an appointment!