Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and it is the main cause of uninjured limb amputation. The International Health Organization defines a diabetic foot as an infection, ulcer or destruction of deep tissue in the lower extremities of a diabetic patient.
Diabetic foot
The main causes of diabetic foot
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High blood sugar levels - Prolonged blood sugar levels can hurt the immune system from functioning and perform it's function - protection against pollutants.
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Nerve damage - Over time, diabetes causes damage to nerve conduction. This injury can cause a sensation injury, so if the diabetic patient has a cut on his foot he will not feel it and will not treat the condition and this wound may become infected.
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Vascular damage - As with nerve damage, here as well, over time, damage and blockage of small blood vessels occurs. This impairs blood flow, which can lead to a poor to non-existent healing process of wounds.
How can we prevent the ulcers and infections in diabetic foot?
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By maintaining normal blood sugar levels, through a balanced diet and taking diabetes medications*
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Maintaining foot hygiene, which includes regular treatments with a pedicurist who specializes in diabetic feet, proper trimming of the toenails (as shown in the picture), daily rinsing of the feet with soap and warm water and then - drying with a clean towel. it is highly recommended to apply a foot cream daily.*
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Checking your feet daily - Look for cuts, warts, swelling or redness on your feet. In addition, you should look carefully between the toes, heel and sides.
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Besides that, every diabetic patient is entitled to an examination of the feet by a nurse at the HMO - use this right, especially if your vision is lacking.*
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Wear shoes or slippers at all times. Wear a pair of shoes that fit your size, something that would not squeeze your feet.
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Before wearing the shoes, look inside to make sure that there are no stones/objects in them or anything that could cause spotted pressure on the foot.*
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Wear diabetic socks or roll your socks upside down - with the seam facing the shoe and not the foot.*
In which cases should I go to a Doctor?
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If you found out about a wound on your foot with signs of inflammation - redness, swelling or fever
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Pus that appears in a wound in the foot.
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Fever, chills or pain.
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Given each of the following options, we recommending you to contacting our clinic, Dr Aaron Liberson, as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment and consultation to prevent deterioration in the condition of the foot.