People with diabetes need to be extra cautious when caring for their feet due to their condition. Since their wounds heal slower, a minor cut on a foot can quickly become infected and cause major problems. However, a trauma does not have to occur for a foot ulcer to develop, especially if the person doesn’t have good control of his or her blood sugar.
Signs of Foot Problems
If you’re a diabetic, you don’t have to experience a cut on your foot for an ulcer to develop. If you have a callus on your foot that is sore or if the skin is discolored, you should have a podiatrist examine your feet for diabetic foot and ankle infections in Racine, WI. Ulcers can form in these areas, leading to serious complications, even the need for amputations.
Since many diabetics can have problems with feeling their feet, which is called peripheral neuropathy, some diabetics may not notice ulcers until they see spots on their socks from a leaking sore. That is why is it important for diabetics to carefully examine their feet on a daily basis and to keep them clean. By doing so, they can prevent diabetic foot and ankle infections.
Causes of Ulcers
Ulcers on the feet, which most often occur around the big toe and on the balls of the feet, are commonly caused by poor circulation, by wearing ill-fitting shoes, by not trimming toenails properly, and by out of control blood sugar. However, by taking good care of your feet, you can prevent the development of Kenosha diabetic foot and ankle infections.
Washing your feet on a daily basis, wearing cotton socks, and always wearing shoes will help prevent most foot problems for diabetics. However, if diabetic foot and ankle infections do occur, you can spot problems before they become serious by taking care of your feet and inspecting them regularly. Regular visits to a podiatrist will also help catch foot problems early and prevent serious complications.
