The biggest fear of diabetics besides death is amputation caused by diabetic foot. This diabetic foot problem is a common complication of diabetes.
Diabetic foot is a condition that occurs because diabetes has damaged the nerves (diabetic neuropathy) and disrupted blood circulation (peripheral vascular disease) in the feet.
Nerve damage makes the feet not feel heat, cold or pain (numbness). This condition is referred to as sensory diabetic neuropathy. As a result of this condition, you cannot feel wounds so they can get worse and spread.
The leg muscles also malfunction because the nerves to the muscles are damaged. This causes the foot to not align properly and too much pressure on one part of the foot.
Diabetic feet also have impaired blood circulation because diabetes affects blood flow. In short, without good blood flow, wounds on the feet take a long time to heal.
That's why people with diabetic foot have wounds that don't heal until they fester. If it is too severe, then the recommended medical action is amputation so that the infection does not continue to spread to other parts of the body.
The age factor of diabetics increases the risk of amputation, so prevention from getting diabetic foot is very important.
Common diabetic foot problems
Here are some common diabetic foot problems, including:
1. Diabetic ulcers
Diabetic ulcers are ulcers or open wounds in diabetics that form due to damaged skin tissue and spread to the underlying layers. The most noticeable sign of a foot ulcer is discharge from the foot. Then there is swelling, irritation, redness, and odor. Worsening conditions are characterized by the appearance of black scabs (eschar or dead tissue detached from the skin) around the ulcer formed due to obstruction of blood flow to the skin.
This foot ulcer problem affects almost 25 percent of people with diabetes. Half of them are infected and 20 percent can have moderate to severe infections that require amputation. There are about 85 percent of amputation procedures caused by this diabetic foot problem.
Hence, consult a doctor immediately so that diabetic ulcers do not get worse.
2. Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a fungus that causes itching, redness and cracking. This condition is not a serious problem for ordinary people but not with diabetics. It must be treated immediately with drugs that kill the fungus.
3. Fungal infection of the nails
Fungal infection of the nails of diabetics is characterized by a change in the color of the nails to brownish yellow or buran, the nails are thickened, brittle and may crumble.
Treatment can use anti-fungal drugs in the form of ointments, although the healing time takes a long time.
In addition to medication, removing damaged nails can be a way to avoid fungal infections in the nails.
4. Dry skin
Dry skin in diabetics needs to be watched out for because it can cause cracked skin and is susceptible to germs and infections. If infected, it can cause diabetic foot.
5. Blistering skin
Similar to dry skin, blistered skin on the feet should also be aware of diabetics. If a blister has already occurred, do not break the blister because it can cause irritation. Treat with antibacterial creams and clean, soft bandages to protect the skin and prevent infection.
6. Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails, also known as cantengan, should also be prevented as much as possible. Because if it occurs, symptoms of pain, redness, swelling, and discharge will appear in the affected nail area. For diabetics, this condition can become infectious and difficult to heal.
7. Charcot foot
Another complication of diabetes on the feet is charcot foot. This is a condition of damage to the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the feet resulting in numbness.
This charcot foot will make the foot deformed as the fingers become more curved, the ankle is bent and wobbly.
Consult a doctor immediately if you are diabetic and experience symptoms of swollen feet, redness and warmth to the touch. This is to anticipate complications such as charcot foot in you.
How to care for diabetic foot
Diabetics must be more vigilant and pay attention to the condition of the feet because diabetes complications often occur in the feet. In addition to treating diabetes, maintaining and caring for the feet to avoid diabetic foot complications is very important. Again, to avoid amputation, an action that is often taken to save lives.
For diabetics, daily careful foot examination is essential for overall health and prevention of diabetic foot problems.
Here is general care for diabetic feet that you should do, including:
- Never walk barefoot
- Wash feet daily with mild soap and warm water
- Use lotion to keep foot skin soft and moisturized
- Cut toenails straight and not too deep
- Wear well-fitting shoes and make sure to change your socks often
- Do diabetic foot exercises to improve blood flow in the feet
- Regular foot check-ups with your doctor.
When to see a doctor?
You can visit a doctor immediately if you have any of the following foot symptoms:
- Tingling, burning, or pain in the feet
- Changes in foot color and temperature
- Dry and cracked skin on the feet
- Loss of ability to sense heat or cold
- Thick and yellow nails
- Hair loss on toes, feet, and lower legs
- Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, between the toes
- Ingrown nails or sores, such as blisters and ulcers.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
