Diabetes Patients: Preventing Amputation

Nerve damage and impaired blood circulation are two issues closely related to diabetes. These issues can result in foot ulcers, which can quickly grow worse. Preventing foot ulcers may be accomplished by controlling your blood sugar levels and properly caring for your feet.

Amputations

People with diabetic foot ulcers should seek medical attention right away. Foot ulcers are the most common cause of amputation or limb loss. Tissues and bones are severely damaged by an ulcer that will not heal. It could necessitate surgical amputation.

Control Your Diabetes

Diabetes can put some people at more risk than others. Here are some tips on maintaining your feet’s well-being, recognizing the warning symptoms that indicate you should visit a doctor, and what to do if you need an amputation.

Keeping your blood sugar under control is the best defense against amputation and other serious diabetes consequences. You may accomplish this in a number of ways, including:

• Healthy meats, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains make up a nutrient-dense diet.
• Reducing beverages such as soda and juice with added sugar.
• Lowering stress by doing at least twenty minutes of exercise each day while keeping a healthy weight and cholesterol levels.
• Taking insulin and other diabetic medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Foot Care

Maintaining good foot hygiene may help you avoid sores that can become troublesome. Following are some pointers for taking care of your feet:

• Every day, inspect your feet. Keep an eye out for any changes.
• Look at your feet more closely by using a magnifying mirror.
• Ask someone else to inspect your feet if you are unable to do so.
• Examine the sensation in your feet on a regular basis.
• Check if your feet can tell the difference between cold or warm temperatures.
• Wear socks without elastic bands that are thin, clean, and dry.
• Keep your feet moving to get circulation going.
• Consult a medical professional right away if you experience any foot issues or neuropathy symptoms, including numbness, burning, or tingling.

Podiatrists play an essential role in identifying and taking care of foot issues in diabetics. Proper foot care and management can prevent or postpone neuropathy, joint deterioration, damage to blood vessels, and other issues. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.