2012年9月15日 星期六

Diabetic Neuropathy and Seven Special Foot Care Tips!


The foot is the most common part of the body affected by peripheral neuropathy in the person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Although peripheral neuropathy can also affect your legs, arms and hands. Nerve damage often first appears as:


discomfort
tingling
sensitivity to touch
loss of co-ordination
numbness or the sensation of pins and needles

If any of the above are present and then disappear, this could mean your nerve cells have been permanently damaged. When this happens your foot or feet are insensitive to touch and pain. Although the absence of pain is definitely a relief, it leaves you vulnerable to several deadly complications, including life-threatening infections.

It is very important for people with diabetes to check their feet every day, checking for:


cuts
scrapes
swelling
bleeding
any sign of infection including any discharge from wounds

If left untreated, infections can spread to your bone and lead to amputation of the affected toe, foot or lower leg. Reports show half of the annual lower limb amputations world-wide, are performed on people with diabetic neuropathy. These amputations can be prevented by simply paying more attention to your feet and any sign of infection.

With all of this in mind, here are seven foot care tips:

1. Wash your feet daily with soap and water. Do not use hot water or soak your feet. Make sure your feet are dry, especially the area between your toes.

2. Apply a gentle hand cream especially if your feet are rough and dry.

3. Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling of any other problem. To see the base of your feet use a mirror.

4. Cut your toenails to follow the shape of the end of your toes, not deep into the corners. This is best done after your bath or shower.

5. Protect your feet by wearing properly fitting shoes. Run your hand around the inside of your shoes to check there is nothing that will hurt your feet.

6. Seamless socks will help to avoid irritating your feet. Of course, stockings and socks should be changed daily.

7. See your podiatrist regularly. Don't hesitate to see your podiatrist or health care provider about any problems.

Even if you have no nerve damage and normal blood supply to your feet, your must take good care of them as neuropathy is related to poor blood pressure and blood sugar control.




By keeping your blood sugar levels under control you can reduce the likelihood of developing peripheral neuropathy in the future.

If you would like to download a free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions ... it's based on questions diabetics have asked me over recent months.

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.





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1 則留言:

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