The foot of the diabetic patient is, perhaps, the site of the organism in which the effect of neuropathic and vascular complications that occur, to a greater or lesser degree, throughout the evolution of diabetes is more evident.It is considered a public health problem due to its frequency and health cost.
There are several causal factors of the diabetic foot and can differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic (see in images).
Foot injuries are developed by three basic pathogenic components:
-Macroangiopathy.
-Neuropathy: It is the most frequent and basis complication of diabetic foot disorders.It causes motor disorders, and sensitive.
-Orthopedic alterations: Osteoarthropathy and motor neuropathy produce orthopedic alterations that increase the risk of ulcers.The most frequent lesions are neuro-ischemic and neuropathic ulcers called poor plantar perforating.
These can act individually or interrelate.In addition, the diabetic patient can have intermittent claudication and rest pain in lower limbs.
foot care:
1.Inspect the feet daily to observe the possible presence of blisters, cracks or erosions.
-In case of skin tear, it must be gently cleaned with soap and warm water, then apply a soft antiseptic and cover the area with a sterile dressing.An occlusive dressing should not be used.
-Conconcor the doctor if you have a blister, ulcer or wound or if swelling appears
2.Keep your feet clean, dry and soft.
-The body shower is the best way to wash your feet daily using neutral soap.Water must be warm and the bathroom should not exceed 5-10 minutes to avoid damaging the skin.
-The drying of the feet is very important, especially between the fingers and must be found without rubbing.
-Apply an emollient cream if the skin is very dry.
3.Try to avoid any feet injury.
-Do not use sharp instruments, avoid excessive dryness as well as moisture in the feet.
-Do cut callosities and hardness and not use chemical agents such as warm.
-Do not walking without shoes on sand or hot floor.
-Goist your feet with sunscreens and avoid burns
-The footwear must be preferably:
- Or with a rounded and wide tip, not use those that leave the fingers or the heel exposed to avoid friction;and
- or leather.
-Use socks with footwear.
4.Avoid extreme temperatures at all times.
-Do not using frozen compresses if you feel hot feet and avoid in winter have your feet near stoves.
-Stour loose cotton or thread socks and without seams.
-Probate the bathroom temperature with the elbow before wetting the foot to avoid burns due to lack of sensitivity.
5.Physical exercises
-The diabetic patient should be well compensated for exercises.-The young people should walk daily and do soft movements with their feet.
