Diabetes is one of the diseases that affects the health of the whole body quickly if it is not controlled, and one of the most common complications of diabetes in the world is Diabetic foot And its problems, get to know this problem closely, its symptoms, and ways to prevent and treat it.

What is the diabetic foot and its problems?

It is a term that expresses a group of health problems that it causes Diabetes in the feet and caused Increase diabetes level in the blood And its effect on the nerves and blood vessels in the foot. These problems and diseases that occur in the foot can affect anyone, but they require special care with people with diabetes because they cause complications and greater infections that may lead to amputation in the end:

Diabetic foot symptoms

There are several warning signs that you should pay attention to if you are diabetic, which tell you the effect of high sugar on your foot, and you must go to the doctor and follow up with him, including:

• Increased foot and leg swelling.
• Foot skin discoloration.
• burning sensation or Foot numbness.
• Loss of sensation in the foot.
• Numbness of the toes.
• Ingrown nail (ingrown nail).
• Slow wound healing.
• Cracks between the fingers.
• The appearance of blisters on the foot.
• Symptoms of foot problems such as hammer toe, bunions, calluses, and plantar warts.
• Hair loss in the feet and toes.

Complications of diabetic foot

Because of the emergence of all these problems in the foot and with the persistence of high blood sugar without the required care for the foot, and also with negligence in treating the foot problems that we mentioned may cause several complications, including:

Neuropathy

Damage to the nerves in the foot, which can lead to deformities in the shape and structure of the foot and toes. It also leads to a loss of feeling of pain when a wound is injured, so it is neglected, which causes infection and inflammation.

Diabetic foot ulcer

Ulceration is one of the most serious complications because it may not cause pain, but if neglected and not treated, it may lead to severe infection, the risk of which is amputation of the foot to control the infection and limit its spread in the blood and cause sepsis.

foot amputation

With poor blood circulation and nerve damage, ulcers and infections will recur easily and damage the tissues of the foot, requiring surgical amputation, which can certainly be avoided with due care.

Risk factors for diabetic foot and its complications

Several factors may contribute to an increased risk of developing diabetic foot problems, including:

Treatment of ulcers and inflammation of the diabetic foot

It is necessary to treat ulcers that affect the foot urgently, and the success of treatment depends on several factors, including preventing infection, relieving pressure on the affected area, applying topical medications to ulcers such as creams and ointments that contain iodine, and working to control blood sugar.

It is not necessary for the ulcer to become infected and inflamed, but if it does, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and topical care for the ulcer and the wound. The doctor will also advise you on some instructions to prevent the spread of infection and control your blood sugar.

Your doctor may also advise you to wear shoes, socks, diabetic foot supports, or compression bandages.

Sometimes the doctor may resort to removing ulcers and treating them surgically by relieving pressure resulting from the ulcer and treating foot deformities such as hammer toe and hallux valgus.

Diabetic foot prevention

If you are diabetic or take care of a diabetic patient in your family, you should follow these tips for taking care of your feet:

• The first step is to monitor your blood sugar regularly, and this will make it easier for you to have a glucose meter at home, and adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding medications, diabetes diet, and beneficial exercise.
• Wash your feet with warm water and a mild soap daily, and you can test the temperature of the water with your hand or elbow because numbness in your feet may not help you.
• Examine your feet daily to look for any problem with your feet, such as pimples or ulcers, any redness or loss of sensation, especially if you have poor circulation.
• Make sure to moisturize the skin on your feet and keep them from drying out and cracking.
• Cut your nails in a flat, non-circular shape so that the nails do not grow into the flesh.
• Wear well-fitting shoes and socks that cover your entire foot, and stay away from open-toed shoes.
• Protect your feet from extreme heat and extreme cold.
• When you sit, elevate your feet horizontally and move your ankles and toes several times a day to check the blood flow.
• Try to quit smoking, as it impairs blood circulation.
• Be sure to check your feet at your regular visit to the doctor.

Finally, you should consult a doctor immediately if you notice a sudden change in the shape or color of your foot or notice a loss of feeling in it, and you must adhere to your doctor’s instructions and never neglect diabetic foot care and its problems.