One of the most frequent complications of those who have this disease is diabetic foot. From Sanatorio Allende we tell you what are the cares to take into account to achieve a better approach to the problem and avoid injuries.
Diabetic Socks, 1 Dozen Pairs, Crew Length, Size 10-13 Large, White
The increase in blood sugar, added to other factors that occur in those with diabetes, influences our blood vessels and the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, that is, those neurons and nerves that are located or extend outside the system nervous central towards the limbs and organs. This nerve involvement is called Diabetic Neuropathy and can have different manifestations depending on the type of nerve fiber involved. Diabetic neuropathy is the most frequent chronic complication of diabetes and it is more prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes, that is, in those who have insufficient insulin production together with an inadequate use of it.
Generally, the presence and severity of neuropathies are related to the duration of diabetes and the degree of hyperglycemia of the patient.
This complication affects approximately 50% of patients with more than 25 years of evolution of the disease, and may be asymptomatic in up to half of the cases. The presence of symptoms will depend on the damaged nerve fibers and their manifestations can be numbness, pain, cramps or altered perception of pain, for example.
The loss of sensitivity produced by diabetic neuropathies favors, along with other predisposing factors (such as peripheral vascular disease or orthopedic disorders) the appearance of lesions that, if not treated properly, may require hospitalization to amputation. Lesions in patients with neuropathy develop more frequently in areas of pressure or friction, such as in the plantar region of the forefoot, pulp and lateral aspect of the first finger, back and fingertips. Also, in those who predominate the vascular component over the neuropathic, the most common location is the heel, the lateral edges of the feet and the bony prominences.
The foot of the person with diabetes should be considered a foot at risk, since it presents more susceptibility and likelihood of suffering injuries such as ulceration, infection and / or gangrene.
Las personas que padecen de diabetes deben prestar atención a la aparición de ciertos signos en el pie. (Sanatorio Allende)
People with diabetes should pay attention to the appearance of certain signs in the foot. (Sanatorium Allende)
Those who have diabetes should pay attention to the appearance of certain signs, such as dryness, cracks or changes in skin color and temperature; pain when walking; fatigue in the legs; and presence of cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails or calluses.
The possibility that a high percentage of patients is asymptomatic makes it necessary for both those who know their neuropathy and those who are apparently healthy to take preventive measures into account in order to avoid injuries to the foot.
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- Cuidados generales del pie. (Sanatorio Allende)
- General care of the foot. (Sanatorium Allende)
To take into account ...
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Socks:
- Use seamless linen, cotton or wool socks as they absorb more moisture.
- They should not fit or be too loose, and it is recommended to change them twice a day.
Shoes
- Never walk barefoot, as it is possible to hurt yourself and not notice it.
- Use soft and comfortable shoes, leather, closed, with laces or velcro. Do not wear tight shoes.
- Check the inside of them before using them: check that there is no roughness and that the template is smooth.
- When buying footwear it is suggested that it be in the afternoon, since it is the time of the day when the feet are more swollen. The new footwear should begin to be used gradually to prevent the formation of blisters.
- Avoid high heels, as they can cause the appearance of pressure points. Women up to 5 cm and men no more than 2.5 cm tall.
- Hay que prestar atención especial cuidado e higiene de los pies. (Sanatorio Allende)
- Special care and hygiene of the feet must be paid. (Sanatorium Allende)
Hygiene and foot care:
- Touch the water with your elbow to make sure it is not too hot.
- Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap every day. The washing should not last more than 5 minutes.
- Dry well between the fingers and the whole of the foot by contact and not rubbing.
- Moisten the feet with creams at night, not between the fingers. Do not use powders, powders, alcohol or lotions.
- Cut the nails straight and not too short after the bath, as they will be softer.
Inspection and search for injuries
- Observe the feet carefully when removing the shoes.
- Use a mirror to observe the sole of the foot.
- In case of having spots, bruises, blisters or wounds, in spite of not being painful, consult the doctor.
Currently, new therapeutic resources are available that improve the chances of patient recovery. However, foot ulcers are usually difficult to cure, requiring in a high percentage of cases the combination of different treatments and several months for their total closure. The skin of the area affected by the ulcer, when healing with a tissue different from the normal one, may be more predisposed to re-injuring itself, especially if the factors that favored its development are not corrected.
To reduce the pressure in healthy hyperapodia areas or after the healing of an ulcer, it is necessary to use discharge templates made specifically for each person. They must be changed with a certain frequency depending on the material with which they are made.
Although, fortunately, not all patients with diabetes have neuropathy, educating the patient is a constitutive part of the treatment of this disease.
The incorporation of daily care habits, patient monitoring and glucose control are the basis for avoiding injuries and preventing possible complications linked to diabetic foot.