How can amputation be prevented?
To prevent diabetes complications, make a commitment to managing your diabetes. Eat healthy foods, include physical activity in your daily routine and keep your blood sugar under control. Then put your best foot forward with these simple foot-care tips:
§ Wash your feet every day. Wash your feet in lukewarm water once a day. Dry them gently, especially between the toes. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch between your toes to keep the skin dry. Use a moisturizing cream or lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep the skin soft.
§ Inspect your feet every day. Check your feet for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling once a day. If you have trouble bending over, use a hand mirror to see the bottoms of your feet or ask someone to help you.
§ Trim your toenails carefully. Trim your nails straight across. If you have any nail problems or poor feeling in your feet, ask your doctor about professional nail trimming.
§ Don't go barefoot. Protect your feet with comfortable socks and shoes, even indoors. Make sure new shoes fit well, too. Even a single blister can lead to an infection that won't heal.
§ Don't smoke or use other types of tobacco. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking or to stop using other types of tobacco.
§ Schedule regular foot checkups. Your doctor can inspect your feet for early signs of nerve damage, poor circulation or other foot problems. Your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).
§ Take foot injuries seriously. Contact your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn't begin to heal within a few days. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection. In other cases, infected tissue may be drained or removed. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove infected bone or increase blood flow to the affected area. Keep in mind that these wounds can take weeks or even months to heal. culled from Mayo Clinic website
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