Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Why You Should Never Ignore Them, And Remedies To Heal Them
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, or heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
Let's give a read to understand this concern in detail and save ourselves as well as all those who are dealing with diabetes and its associated health hassles.
Never ignore the symptoms of foot ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers almost always form on the soles of the feet, where the skin is under continuous pressure. Under the weight of the body, the skin gets worse and finally becomes an open sore. These ulcers often form below the calluses (hard skin) and cannot be felt due to less or no sensation due to diabetes.
Signs of a foot ulcer include:
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- Swelling, discoloration
- Warmth around the wound
- Foul-smelling discharge oozing from the wound
- Pain and firmness when the wound is touched
- Thickened skin surrounding the ulcer
- Fever and chills in advanced stages of foot ulcers
Few simple steps will ensure the prevention and early detection of foot ulcers.
These include:
- Watch your blood sugar: Maintaining normal glucose levels will also help any sores on the foot heal faster. This can help keep ulcers from developing.
- Inspect and examine your feet daily: Do this, especially for the sole and between the toes; you are looking for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality.
- Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
- Keep your skin soft and smooth.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times (while going outdoors).
- Protect your feet from heat and cold.
The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to promote healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the lesser are the chances of an infection setting in. To ensure proper healing of foot ulcers caused due to diabetes, regular medical care is needed. Consult a specialist for the right treatment and care required to heal foot ulcers.
Treatment-wise
- Proper blood supply is maintained
- Proper treatment of the infection
- Pressure is removed from the wound and the immediate surrounding area
This can be well managed only under the supervision of a doctor.
Home remedies to heal foot ulcers
Follow the instructions of your doctor and implement these below mentioned few steps at home to let heal the ulcers quickly:
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Wear proper fitted footwear with comfortable socks
- Keep the skin of your feet well moisturized with recommended lotion or cream (ask your doctor more about the skin care)
- Do not walk barefoot unless your doctor tells you to do so
- Keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart while sitting or lying down
- Protect your feet from hot and cold temperatures (do not put your feet in hot water; never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets)
- Shake your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
- Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
- Plan your physical activity schedule with your doctor
Neglecting ulcers can result in infections, which in turn can lead to loss of a limb. The best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent its development in the first place. Strictly controlling blood glucose is of the utmost importance during the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Working closely with a doctor or endocrinologist to control blood glucose will increase healing and reduce the risk of complications. You can consult a online specialist now!
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