MEXICO

How Can I prevent a Foot Ulcer?

The best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent its development in the first place. Recommended guidelines include seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis. He or she can determine if you are at high risk for developing a foot ulcer and implement strategies for prevention.

You are at high risk if you:

have neuropathy
have poor circulation
have a foot deformity (i.e. bunion, hammer toe)
wear inappropriate shoes
have uncontrolled blood sugar

Reducing additional risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose are important in the prevention and treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing risks. Your healthcare professional can provide guidance in selecting the appropriate shoes.
Learning how to check your feet is crucial in noticing a potential problem as early as possible. Inspect your feet every day—especially between the toes and the sole—for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality. Each time you visit a health care provider, remove your shoes and socks so your feet can be examined. Any problems that are discovered should be reported as soon as possible; no matter how “simple” it may seem to you.

The key to successful wound healing is regular podiatric medical care to ensure the following “gold standard” of care:

lowering blood sugar
appropriate debridement of wounds
treating any infection
regular disinfection
reducing friction and pressure
restoring adequate blood flow

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” was never as true as it is when preventing a diabetic foot ulcer.

If You Have Diabetes Already . . . DO:

Wash feet daily.

Using mild soap and lukewarm water, wash your feet in the mornings or before bed each evening. Dry carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes, and dust your feet with talcum powder to wick away moisture. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturising cream daily, but avoid getting it between the toes.

Inspect feet and toes daily.

Check your feet every day for cuts, bruises, sores or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration. If age or other factors hamper self-inspection, ask someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Lose weight.

People with diabetes are commonly overweight, which nearly doubles the risk of complications.

Wear thick, soft socks.

Socks made of an acrylic blend are well suited, but avoid mended socks or those with seams, which could rub to cause blisters or other skin injuries.

Stop smoking.

Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems, which can be especially troublesome in patients with diabetes.

Cut toenails straight across.

Never cut into the corners, or taper, which could trigger an ingrown toenail. Use an emery board to gently file away sharp corners or snags. If your nails are hard to trim, ask your podiatrist/chiropodist for assistance.

Exercise.

As a means to keep weight down and improve circulation, walking is one of the best all-around exercises for the diabetic patient. Walking is also an excellent conditioner for your feet. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising. Ask your podiatrist/chiropodist what’s best for you.

See your physician.

Regular checkups by your physician/podiatrist—at least annually—are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy.

Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes.

Shoes are of supreme importance to diabetes sufferers because poorly fitted shoes are involved in as many as half of the problems that lead to amputations. Because foot size and shape may change over time, everyone should have their feet measured by an experienced shoe fitter whenever they buy a new pair of shoes.

New shoes should be comfortable at the time they’re purchased and should not require a "break-in" period, though it’s a good idea to wear them for short periods of time at first. Shoes should have leather or canvas uppers, fit both the length and width of the foot, leave room for toes to wiggle freely, and be cushioned and sturdy.

Don’t go barefoot.

Not even in your own home. Barefoot walking outside is particularly dangerous because of the possibility of cuts, falls, and infection.

Don’t wear high heels, sandals, and shoes with pointed toes.

These types of footwear can put undue pressure on parts of the foot and contribute to bone and joint disorders, as well as diabetic ulcers. In addition, open toed shoes and sandals with straps between the

Don’t drink in excess.

Alcohol can contribute to neuropathy (nerve damage) which is one of the consequences of diabetes. Drinking can speed up the damage associated with the disease, deaden more nerves, and increase the

Don’t wear anything that is too tight around the legs.

Hosiery, girdles, thigh-highs or knee-highs can constrict circulation to your legs and feet, as can men’s dress socks if the elastic

Never try to remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself.

Commercial, over-the-counter preparations that remove warts or corns should be avoided because they can burn the skin and cause irreplaceable damage to the foot of a diabetic sufferer. Never try to cut calluses with a razor blade or any other instrument because the risk of cutting yourself is too high, and such wounds can often lead to more serious ulcers and lacerations. See your physician/podiatrist for assistance in these cases.

Remember that developing a foot ulcer is preventable in many instances if you follow the simple lifestyle advice and visit your physician/podiatrist regularly.

NOTE: Microcyn does not have U.S. FDA clearance for claims other than to moisten, lubricate, cleanse and debride wounds.

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