Most of the time severe diabetic foot infections come from a minor irritation of the skin, but can also develop in the bones or muscles. Most of the time diabetics don't even bother looking at their feet unless they feel pain. This is a very dangerous habit to get into.
The number one cause of amputation of the lower limbs (other then an accident) is from diabetes. The reason for this? Severe foot infections caused by the lack of daily foot inspections.
Why is it so important to check your feet?
It is important because as diabetes keeps going, your body's circulation declines and you have less feeling in your legs and feet. It can also be from nerve damage. With this happening, it is very easy for you to get an infection from a cut on your foot or even stubbing your toe and not even knowing.
What can you do to help prevent foot infections?
Daily foot inspections is the number one place to start. Watch and be sure to keep your feet clean and moisturized. Cracks from dry skin can be a perfect environment for infection.
Keep your toenails trimmed. Make sure not cut them too short, you might accidentally clip some of the skin around your toe nail, leaving it exposed to dirt causing infection.
How to tell if you could have a foot infection?
You will see swelling and redness around the infected area. Pain? Not every diabetic foot infection will have pain with it due to the lack of sensation many diabetics suffer. Having a severe infection, you will see pus and possibly a black-n-blue color around the area of infection.
What is a good way to treat a foot infection?
First of all clean the infection the best you can. Then visit your doctor, as most infections will need antibiotics. Most likely the doctor might need further tests to ensure the infection hasn't gone deeper (like into the muscle or bone.)
If a diabetic foot infection is not treated properly and timely, amputation may be your last option if an option at that. - 29887
The number one cause of amputation of the lower limbs (other then an accident) is from diabetes. The reason for this? Severe foot infections caused by the lack of daily foot inspections.
Why is it so important to check your feet?
It is important because as diabetes keeps going, your body's circulation declines and you have less feeling in your legs and feet. It can also be from nerve damage. With this happening, it is very easy for you to get an infection from a cut on your foot or even stubbing your toe and not even knowing.
What can you do to help prevent foot infections?
Daily foot inspections is the number one place to start. Watch and be sure to keep your feet clean and moisturized. Cracks from dry skin can be a perfect environment for infection.
Keep your toenails trimmed. Make sure not cut them too short, you might accidentally clip some of the skin around your toe nail, leaving it exposed to dirt causing infection.
How to tell if you could have a foot infection?
You will see swelling and redness around the infected area. Pain? Not every diabetic foot infection will have pain with it due to the lack of sensation many diabetics suffer. Having a severe infection, you will see pus and possibly a black-n-blue color around the area of infection.
What is a good way to treat a foot infection?
First of all clean the infection the best you can. Then visit your doctor, as most infections will need antibiotics. Most likely the doctor might need further tests to ensure the infection hasn't gone deeper (like into the muscle or bone.)
If a diabetic foot infection is not treated properly and timely, amputation may be your last option if an option at that. - 29887
About the Author:
You can find other information on diabetic foot infection and other subjects such as Healthy Diabetic Foods List, Diabetes Symptoms and Signs In Youths And Adults, Diabetic Foot Care, Healthy Recipes For Diabetics And Nutritional Ideas can be found at diabeticcaloriediet.com
