How To Diagnose, Treat And Care For Diabetic Foot.

Diabetes is a disease of the present generation brought about by life-style changes. However it is a very dangerous disease with a lot of complications and one should take care to prevent it. However if one is already affected by diabetes he should take care to protect himself from diabetic foot. However he should first make sure to look for symptoms to diagnose, treat and take care of diabetic foot.

Diabetes means that ones sugar level is higher than normal, also meaning that wounds will take a longer time to heal and may not heal at all. Diabetic foot is the setting in of infection in ones foot that could lead to extreme conditions of setting in of gangrene and cutting off the limb too. There are 4 ways by which diabetic foot can present themselves in a person. There may be normal circulation with normal sensation in the foot or there may reduced sensation with normal circulation, or normal sensation with reduced circulation or there may be reduced sensation with normal circulation. However it is very risky when there is there reduced sensation with normal circulation and normal sensation with reduced circulation. 

It would however be best if one can take care of ones foot properly to protect oneself from diabetic foot. So it is best to take special care of ones foot by the soles, web spaces and nails clean. It is best to wash them with mild soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a dry towel. Make sure that there is no moisture because it could help breed infection. However take care of very dry or cracked skin by applying a moisturizing lotion. Make sure to trim ones nails and also take care to wear shoes or slippers, when walking on the floor and outside. The shoes should be broad in front and with some space behind the foot to feel comfortable. It is preferable if you wear padded and dry socks and remove socks that get wet in rainy weather immediately. Also make sure you do not get shoe bites.

The question may now arise how diabetic foot is diagnosed. It is quite sure that if one has been diabetic for a long time he has more chances of getting diabetic foot. It is best if one watches out for any abnormalities in the toes and foot besides checking sensitivity. Asking the patient to close his eyes and touching his feet with a cotton swab can check sensitivity, Besides a cold foot and absence of pulse in the foot can indicate diabetic foot. 

Now the treatment of diabetic foot involves the reduction of high cholesterol, uric acid and homocysteine. In addition one should make sure the patient does not suffer from   retinopathy, neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease. If there is infection it is best to study the culture of the infection and then take appropriate steps to start antibiotic treatment and appropriate dressing.

In addition appropriate steps should be taken to improve the circulation of blood in the body. Blocks in the heart can be removed by angioplasty. Besides it is best to give medication to reduce cholesterol level and also to give blood thinners like aspirin to facilitate good circulation.

Last but most important, it is best to keep ones physician informed of changes in ones foot and body. This could help ensure prompt treatment that could save ones limb from amputation, Yes, once the infected tissue is cut and the pus drained out one can expect quick healing of ones diabetic foot.

To conclude, those who are affected by diabetes can easily save their limb from being amputated if one looks out for symptoms of diabetic foot and takes proper action. Yes you can treat diabetic foot by being vigilant, taking proper treatment and care of ones foot.