Tips for caring for diabetic foot
Written by: Injuries in the diabetic foot is one of the major complications of diabetes. Controlling pathology improperly can affect nerves and blood vessels of the foot area, causing ulcers, infections or necrosis. If these problems are not treated early they entail the death of the respective tissues and therefore subsequent amputations. 
In fact, only in the Canary Islands have been performed more than 3,000 amputations due to this reason in the past five years. This is why early intervention is essential to avoid mutilating treatment.
There are surgical techniques that get remove the part of the infected bone and through innovative cures fully heal the foot without amputation.
Tips for patients with diabetes
It is important that patients suffering from diabetes monitor the occurrence of ulcers and wounds in the foot, since 85% of amputations begin with the appearance of ulcers. Experts recommend patients with diabetes:
- The use of large and cushioned shoes without internal seams and inner lining with light colored. They also advise buying shoes in the afternoon, as it is when the foot is more swollen.
- Use socks and stockings cotton or wool and seamless.
- Avoid soaking your feet for long periods of time.
- Wash your feet daily with warm or cold water for 5 minutes.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing and avoid friction with very rough towels.
- Moisturize your feet daily.
- Avoid using heating pads.
- Limar nails instead of cutting them.
- Do not use chemicals in the foot.
- Walking daily, unless otherwise specified by the doctor.
- No Smoking
Treatment of diabetic foot
The main treatment of diabetic foot is the prevention and control of disease. Physicians should monitor the progress of the disease accurately and patients should conduct reviews at least once a year.
When a patient has an ulcer mean that diabetes is not adequately controlled. Therefore, specialists in General Surgery should identify the type of ulcer and proceed with care. To treat an ulcer should cover the lesion and then treat the infection and relieve pressure.
If the patient with diabetes has experienced a previous ulcer, you should pay special attention to hygiene and care of your feet and prevent thus recurrences.
