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. When at home, wear
slippers. Never go barefoot.
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
first two toes should also be avoided.
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 possibility
of overlooking a seemingly minor cut or injury.
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 is too tight.
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. |
