Diabetes
refers to the foot lesions of patients with diabetes caused by insufficient blood supply due to vascular disease and sensory loss due to nerve damage, accompanied by infection. The amputation rate for patients with diabetic foot is 5 to 10 times higher than for non-diabetic patients. In fact, similar pathological changes can also occur in other parts of the body, but the incidence of foot lesions in patients is significantly higher than in other areas.
The main manifestations of diabetic foot include leg pain and skin ulcers, which can range from mild to severe as intermittent claudication, rest pain in the legs, and foot gangrene. In the early stages of the disease, physical examination may reveal signs of insufficient blood supply to the lower limbs, such as pale feet when the legs are raised and a purplish-red color when the legs are lowered. The feet may feel cool, and the dorsalis pedis artery pulse may weaken or disappear. Intermittent claudication occurs when patients suddenly feel severe pain in their legs while walking, forcing them to limp. Rest pain results from further development of lower limb vascular disease, where not only is there insufficient blood supply during walking, but also during rest. Severe cases may cause sleepless nights. As the condition progresses further, necrosis may appear in the lower limbs, especially the feet, with wounds that do not heal easily, leading to amputation in severe cases.
Prevention should be the primary focus in the treatment of foot lesions.
It’s best to avoid getting it, but if you do, seek treatment early and don’t delay the condition by thinking "it doesn’t hurt, no problem," or neglecting blood sugar control, which could ultimately lead to amputation.
1. Maintain good blood sugar control
2. Keep the feet clean and dry
3. Prevent injury to the skin on the feet
4. Prevent infections on the feet
5. Regular foot exercises
6. Quit smoking
1. Wash your feet daily with warm water (not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius).
2. Use mild soap, avoiding irritant soaps.
3. Test the water temperature with your hand or have someone else help to prevent scalding.
4. Soak your feet for no more than 5-10 minutes.
5. After washing, gently pat your feet dry with a soft towel without rubbing too hard.
6. Use a small amount of talcum powder to keep the spaces between the toes dry.
7. Use moisturizing lotion or cream to keep the skin on your feet soft and prevent dryness and cracking.
8. Do not warm your feet by the fire or use electric blankets, hot water bottles, etc., to prevent burns that may go unnoticed.