Diabetic Foot ulcers
Many Type 2 diabetics struggle with neuropathy in their feet, which is a loss of feeling due to nerve damage.
Neuropathy is a result of nerve damage and can lead to weakness, numbness and pain.
15% of patients with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers, 6% are hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer related complications.
And up to 14 - 24% may require an amputation.
Foot ulcers are open wounds located at the bottom of the foot.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcer:
Diabetic ulcers can form due to a combination of factors. Lack of feeling in feet, poor circulation, foot deformities, foot irritation, trauma and duration of diabetes are all exacerbating factors of developing diabetic foot ulcers.
Here are a few more things that are possible causes of diabetic foot ulcers:
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Using insulin can place you at higher risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer
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Being overweight can also play a part in developing a diabetic foot ulcer
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Using tobacco and alcohol can increase your chances of developing a diabetic foot ulcer
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers:
Pain is not a common symptom of diabetic foot ulcers as many people with diabetes lose feeling in their feet before developing a diabetic foot ulcer.
Here are a few signs that you may have developed a foot ulcer:
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Redness
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Swelling
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Drainage in your socks
How to take care of your Diabetic Foot Ulcer:
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Keep your blood glucose levels under tight control
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Keep the foot ulcer clean and bandaged
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Cleanse the foot ulcer daily
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Avoid walking barefoot with your foot ulcer
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Avoid wearing tight shoes or chaffing socks
Oxygen therapy can aid in the healing of your diabetic foot ulcer. If you are suffering from Diabetic Foot Ulcers, contact us to book your oxygen therapy.
This article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content contained in this article, or any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Nor is the information a replacement for professional medical expertise or treatment.
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