About this topic
Diabetes is an illness that makes your blood sugar too high. If your blood sugar is not in control, you may have problems with your nerves and blood vessels. This can cause loss of feeling or numbness in your feet. Then, you may not feel it if you have a cut, blister, or sore on your foot. You may also have poor blood flow to your feet. It is harder for a wound to heal when you have poor blood flow. ‚
People with diabetes are more likely to get sores on their feet. If the sore is not taken care of, it can become infected. This may lead to serious problems. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your sores. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to use special creams or bandages on your sore
- If you need to be careful with putting pressure on the sore. Your doctor may want you to use a wheelchair, cane, or crutches.
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- Raise your feet while in bed or when sitting in a chair to stop swelling and help the sore get better faster.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a foot doctor called a podiatrist or a blood vessel doctor called a vascular specialist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Lower swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. Work to keep your blood sugar normal. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- The skin in and around the sore can die
- Amputation
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take care of your diabetes and keep your blood sugar under control.
- Know what range your blood sugar should be in.
- Take care of your feet.
- Wash your feet each day with soap and warm water. Dry them carefully and check for any signs of sores or wounds.
- Put on lotion or moisturizer. Avoid lotion in the areas between your toes.
- Trim your nails straight across to avoid harming the skin.
- Check your skin daily for any signs of sores or wounds.
- Protect your feet.
- Do not walk barefoot.
- Wear shoes that fit properly.
- See your doctor if:
- You need to have a corn or callus taken off. Do not remove it yourself.
- You have sores or blisters on your feet.
- You step on an object that cuts or penetrates the sole of your foot
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or sore that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound; wound opens up.
- New blisters, cuts, or sores on your foot
- Feet or legs are numb
- Black or dead tissue in or around your ulcer
- Sore is no better or is getting worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my sore and my feet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a new sore or signs of a wound infection.
Where can I learn more?
American Podiatric Medical Association ‚
http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Brochures/Diabetic-Wound-Care.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚