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Tips For Dealing With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

1 February 2016 by Joann Dunn

There are around 29 million people currently suffering from diabetes in the United States. People who are diagnosed with diabetes often are at a higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and more. Unfortunately, about 15% of diabetic patients encounter a diabetic foot ulcer. This type of ulcer can usually be found on the bottom of the foot and many times can end up infected, sending them to the hospital. Even worse, some of these infections can lead to foot amputations if not cared for properly. If you suffer from diabetes, it is important to prevent a diabetic foot ulcer with these four tips. 

Pay Attention to Your Feet

Those suffering from diabetes are 25 times more likely to need an amputation than those who do not have diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. To help prevent ulcers from coming up on your feet, it is important to pay close attention to your feet by inspecting them often. You may have a decreased sense of feeling in your feet when you have diabetes, making it hard to feel pain in them. Cracks and blisters may not seem like a big deal, but they can quickly become infected and send you to the hospital. 

Quit Smoking

While smoking has a lot of harmful effects on people, it can be even worse on those with diabetes. Smoking decreases blood flow, making it much harder for wounds to heal. Even a small blister that doesn't heal properly could get infected and cause further trouble. To ensure that your wounds heal like normal, you want to avoid smoking at all. 

Find Proper Footwear

Orthopedic shoes are great at providing proper support and pain relief. There are various types of orthopedic shoes that can help with different foot problems including bunions, fallen arches, and much more. They are designed to be much more comfortable than regular shoes. Your podiatrist can help provide you a prescription to obtain a pair of orthopedic shoes. If you decide orthopedic shoes are not for you, you could opt for a more fashionable pair of regular shoes that could provide proper support for your feet. The key is to making sure your shoes are not too loose that they rub or too tight that your feet cannot breath. 

Eat a Well Balanced Diet

If you are prone to feet wounds, you want to make sure you are eating a well balanced diet. This is because your body requires certain nutrients and minerals to help promote body tissue growth. Focus on a diet that is filled with many proteins, legumes, and fiber to help promote proper healing. 

For more information and tips concerning podiatry issues, contact a local podiatry clinic, such as West Central Podiatry Consultants.

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