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When diabetes is not well controlled , damage to the nerves and blood vessels can occur over time. With damage to the nervous system a person may not be able to feel his or her feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricate the skin of the foot is impaired and can lead to abnormal pressure on the skin or bones of the foot and can lead to ulcers.
Damage to the blood vessels and impairment of the immune system due to diabetes make it difficult to heal these wounds.
Therefore people with diabetes must be fully aware of how to prevent foot problems before they occur, to recognize problems early and seek medical advise when problems occur. Prevention remains the best way to avoid diabetic foot complications.
Several risk factors increase a person’s chance of developing foot problems and infections in the legs and feet.
Consult the doctor for any of the following symptoms
Pain in the legs that increases with walking but improves with rest (intermittent claudication)
Redness or swelling of the foot or leg
Persistent pain in the legs or foot
Any significant trauma (injury) to feet or legs
Any new blister, wound or ulcer in the legs or feet
Walking is the best exercise if you have diabetes Daily walking encourages the other smaller arteries to enlarge and improve the blood supply. If you walk regularly the symptoms will improve and the distance that you can walk before pain develops will increase.
Walk until the pain develops, then rest for a few minutes and carry on walking when the pain has reduced. Keep this for at least 30-45 minutes every day.
Management of diabetic foot
The most important part of the treatment of diabetic foot problems are the self help measures given below. If you smoke, stopping smoking is the single most effective treatment. Stopping smoking increases walking distance by two to three fold in 8 out of 10 patients with diabetes.
BLOOD PRESSURE levels must be maintained at normal levels.
Surgery for diabetic foot problems
Most people with diabetic foot problems do not need surgery. Surgery is considered as a last resort.
ANGIOPLASTY in which a tiny balloon is inserted into the artery and blown up at the section that is narrowed.