(BPT) – Thirty million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 15 percent of these patients will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in their lifetime, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Sometimes, it’s difficult for patients to realize they have a foot ulcer because it often appears along with diabetic neuropathy, a condition that carries the risk of limb amputation. Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is easier than treating them. To avoid a foot ulcer and put your best foot forward, here are five things you should know.
1. Spot the signs
Foot ulcers develop from a loss of protective sensation and neuropathy. Other contributing factors include foot deformity, repetitive trauma and improper footwear. If you have diabetes and suffer from neuropathy, foot ulcer pain may not be apparent. Patients may notice redness, swelling, drainage on socks, an odor and increased skin temperature.
2. Take action now
Fourteen to 24 percent of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers that lead to amputation. However, amputation is often preventable with proper foot care and well-fitting shoes. Talking to your doctor about any foot problems and following their directions for caring for ulcers so that wounds are more likely to heal is important.
3. Left foot, right foot, repeat
Foot ulcers occur most often on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. Checking your feet every day is an essential part of preventing diabetic foot ulcers. Looking for redness, cuts, blisters or other minor injuries yourself, with a mirror, or asking for help is an easy way to manage your feet.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Another way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to keep your blood glucose under control, eat healthy, be active and to not smoke. Smoking decreases blood flow, makes arteries harden faster and slows healing.
5. Continued care
It is important to visit your doctor often for foot exams and to tell your health provider of any cuts, ingrown nails or other changes in your feet. Make sure to also adhere to prescribed diabetic foot wear.
