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     Diabetes is still a hidden disease that is always scary. When we know that a person has diabetes, just one disease can affect many diseases like the surface of water reflecting wide waves when a rock hits it. Diabetic ulcers are a suspicious complication, but why do they occur in the feet? They heal slowly and start to become numb until they lose feeling. What causes these things?

 

Foot complications in diabetic patients

     Diabetic foot ulcers are a complication of vascular occlusion. In some cases, there may be associated infection, which reduces blood flow to various parts of the foot. The disease usually occurs in the legs and usually manifests in 3 symptoms: 

 

Symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers

• Infections: Bacterial infections are symptoms of slow wound healing, which can lead to severe wound inflammation. If the wound is not properly cared for and treated, it can spread to the bloodstream, leading to serious risks.
• Inflammation presents as swelling of the foot or wound area, which turns red and dark blue, along with severe pain. It is usually accompanied by an infection and does not heal within 4 weeks.
• Loss of Organs When blood vessels become blocked and lack blood supply to cells, it can turn into chronic wounds. In some cases, infection and inflammation spread, eventually leading to the loss of the affected organ.

 

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Diabetic ulcers often occur in high-risk areas due to damage to blood flow and nerves caused by diabetes. They most commonly occur on the feet, which are areas that are more prone to pressure and friction.

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Why do diabetic ulcers often occur on the feet?

1. Feet are the weight-bearing point.

     Since the feet are the distal part farthest from the heart and are the point that receives vertical pressure, when the body begins to develop wounds, the feet are the first target because they are painful from the original use. Generally, the feet are the organs that receive pressure from running, walking, standing and jumping. Diabetic patients feel numb, numb and unconscious to the point of inadvertently using their feet without realizing that they have wounds. Some may have uneven feet, start to sweat abnormally and have other conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Dry and cracked skin

     When nerves are degenerated or damaged by diabetes, every time you walk, you lose feeling. Every time your feet step on the ground, the skin becomes dry and cracked, which provides an opening for germs to enter the body and cause infection. 

 

 

 

3. Causes of infection

     If a bacterial infection occurs, the wound will heal slowly, become more and more inflamed, and eventually become swollen, red, dead, and smelly. If the wound is not properly cared for, it may increase the risk of other problems.

 

4. Wearing inappropriate shoes

     Choosing shoes by size to wear may not be suitable for people with diabetes because the style may not fit the shape of our feet. In particular, shoes made of hard leather materials can squeeze and rub the feet, easily causing wounds. Sometimes the feet tend to expand from walking more, causing the shape of the current shoes to not be able to be worn for a long time.

 

How to treat foot wounds

Medical treatment

The doctor will first observe the symptoms and begin questioning the patient. After that, he will send the patient for examination to diagnose before planning the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers by draining the pus, using antibiotics, and surgery.

 

• Doctors can open the wound to drain the pus and cut away the dead tissue.
• The use of antibiotics is at the discretion of the doctor.
• Endovascular surgery or angioplasty based on the presence of occlusion

 

Read more: Treat diabetic foot ulcers without amputation

 

Guidelines for preventing diabetic foot ulcers

1. Check your feet every day.

Patients should check their feet every time after activity for redness, bruising, or swelling. Especially if the condition is caused by shoe bites after wearing a new pair of shoes, they should observe frequently. 

 

2. Always keep your feet clean.

     Patients should avoid cleaning the wound themselves, including dressing the wound or soaking the feet in water. The method of caring for diabetic wounds depends on the severity of the symptoms and the doctor's advice. If there is a burning sensation 

 

Basic self-care

The patient can clean the wound using a wet towel and then use another soft towel to wipe the crevices and the soles of the feet until completely dry.

 

• Do not use alcohol to clean your feet as it can make your feet drier.
• If warm water is required, use your elbow or a thermometer to measure the water temperature, which should not exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
• Trim your toenails regularly and apply cream, avoiding the gaps between the toes, to reduce dryness and cracking.

 

3. Wearing shoes to prevent injury

     Since feet are more delicate than you might think, choosing shoes that fit well, are not too narrow and squeeze your feet, and have comfortable pads will reduce pressure. In addition, patients can choose to use canes, wheelchairs, and equipment to reduce impact on the wound, especially from the legs to the feet. 

 

 

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Therefore, when choosing shoes, you should consider the shape that is closest to your feet. Do not buy shoes based on the size. You should use comfortable sneakers.

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4. Controlling blood sugar levels and disease symptoms

     Blood sugar levels are also a good indicator of diabetes. Therefore, eating foods low in sugar and cholesterol, changing your lifestyle, losing weight to a normal level, and taking medication as advised by your doctor can greatly reduce the chances of clogged arteries and pressure while walking. 

 

5. Always visit your doctor for check-ups as scheduled.

     Regular foot exams by your doctor can help detect problems early, such as possible sores or infections that may not be felt. They start by examining the wound, checking blood flow, and checking the sensation in your feet.

 

Read more: Guidelines for preventing diabetic wounds, including answers to the question: Will the wound heal completely?

 

 

 

 

 

Let Ramkhamhaeng Hospital take care of your diabetic wounds.

     Diabetic wounds can be treated and provide peace of mind with the Diabetic Foot Wound Treatment Center at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital under the concept of 'Answering all needs, expert in all care'. Together with efficient treatment technology, doctors help those who receive treatment feel more comfortable, giving us a chance to return to a bright and happy life.