About Diabetic Foot Rehabilitation
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
Diabetic Foot Rehabilitation
The use of the diabetic foot care program is part of an incorporated rehabilitation process, and you are the principle team member. The relationship with your pedorthist/orthotist is a lifetime commitment to your independence, health, walking ability, and overall quality of life.
How Does Diabetes Affect My Foot?
It will affect your foot in three ways. The way you look after your diabetes and handle your sugars will impact how quickly these changes take place and the severity of the impact.
- If your sugar levels are normally high, you might notice changes as soon as a decade from your diagnosis.
- If your sugar levels are kept in check, these changes will take place very gradually.
The Three Changes:
- Diabetes causes your nerves in your feet fall asleep. Nerves supply the small muscles inside your feet. When they fall asleep, the foot muscles get weak. The nerves get weak and fail to work; making your feet numb and you won't manage to feel the bottom of your feet. Your feet may change shape and grow calluses, bony bumps, crooked or curled toes, and wider feet or flatter feet crooked or curled. Nerves as well supply the sweat glands to your feet. If they fall asleep, your feet don't sweat and you acquire dry feet.
- Blood circulation to your feet reduces. Diabetes reduces the quantity of blood, which flows to your feet. Blood brings oxygen and food to the feet. It as well brings medicines to your feet. If you're taking medication for an infection, the whole dose of the medication might not reach your feet. If your blood circulation is weakened, your skin can get thinner. This may make you get sores and cuts more easily. The reduced blood circulation as well decreases the healing process that may lead to long-term infections.
- Infections are difficult to cure. Your immune system is weakened by diabetes and your ability to combat an infection. A tiny sore, cut or scratch on your foot may result in an infection. As soon as you get an infection, it's more difficult to cure and may result in an amputation.
Diabetic foot rehabilitation Dos and Don'ts
- DO
• DO monitor your blood sugar
• DO consume nutritious foods
• DO examine your feet every day
• DO take part in a fitness regime
• DO communicate - DON’T
• DON’T smoke
• DON’T drink too much alcohol
• DON’T lay or sit with crossed ankles or legs
• DON’T put on sandals with thongs
• DON’T use adhesive tape
• DON’T soak your feet
Other Guidelines
- Skincare and personal hygiene: Practice good hygiene practices by inspecting and cleaning your feet and putting on clean socks daily.
- Footwear: NEVER walk barefoot and constantly wear shoes and socks. Check out shoes for signs of wear. Dress in the appropriate footwear; your long-term mobility and health is more essential than fashion.
Know your feet: Every day check up is needed. Watch out for corns, cracks, blisters, calluses, sores, cuts, etc. Check out the sides, top and bottom, with a mirror. Report any changes to your pedorthist/orthotist or physician at once. - Orthoses: Arc supports and diabetic insoles should be customized and totally contoured to the plantar surface of your foot.
Toenail care: You should trim soon after your bath or shower. If you have extremely thick toenails, a neuropathy and/or poor vision, stop, and seek the care of a podiatrist. - Cleaning and softening: Clean every day with using lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly. Apply lotion or cream on tops and bottoms only, not between toes. Dress in clean socks daily.
Footwear: NEVER walk barefoot and constantly wear shoes and socks. Check out shoes for signs of wear. Dress in the appropriate footwear; your long-term mobility and health is more essential than fashion. - Over-the-counter medications: Don’t use wart or corn removers. Don't remove calluses or corn using a razor blade. Don't warm up cold feet with a hot water bottle of heating pad. Constantly consult your doctor first.
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