POWER POINT'S ASSIGNMENT

'FOOT CARE FOR THE DIABETIC PATIENT'

Diabetic Foot Care Causes:

Several risk factors increase a person with diabetes chances of developing foot problems and diabetic infections in the legs and feet.

Footwear:
Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of diabetic foot problems.

If the patient has red spots, sore spots, blisters, , calluses, or consistent pain associated with wearing shoes, new properly fitting footwear must be obtained as soon as possible.

If the patient has common foot abnormalities such as hammertoes, prescription shoes or shoe inserts may be necessary.

Nerve damage:
People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are at risk for having damage to the nerves in their feet.

Because of the nerve damage, the patient may be unable to feel their feet normally. Also, they may be unable to sense the position of their feet and toes while walking and balancing. With normal nerves, a person can usually sense if their shoes are rubbing on the feet or if one part of the foot is becoming strained while walking.

Trauma to the foot:
Any trauma to the foot can increase the risk for a more serious problem to develop.

Infections :
Athlete's a fungal infection of the skin or toenails, can lead to more serious bacterial infections and should be treated promptly.

Ingrown toenails should be handled right away by a foot specialist. Toenail fungus should also be treated.

Diabetic Foot Care Symptoms:

Persistent pain can be a symptom of sprain, strain, bruise, overuse, improperly fitting shoes, or underlying infection.

Redness can be a sign of infection, especially when surrounding a wound, or of abnormal rubbing of shoes or socks.

Swelling of the feet or legs can be a sign of underlying inflammation or infection, improperly fitting shoes, or poor venous circulation.

Other signs of poor circulation include the following:
Pain in the legs or buttocks that increases with walking but improves with rest (claudication)

Hair no longer growing on the lower legs and feet

Hard shiny skin on the legs

Localized warmth

Diabetic Foot Care Treatment:

Self-Care at Home:
A person with diabetes should do the following:

Foot examination:
Examine feet daily and also after any trauma, no matter how minor, to feet. Report any abnormalities to physician. Use a water-based moisturizer every day (but not between toes) to prevent dry skin and cracking. Wear cotton or wool socks. Avoid elastic socks and hosiery because they may impair circulation.

Eliminate obstacles:
Move or remove any items are likely to trip over or bump feet on. Keep clutter on the floor picked up. Light the pathways used at night - indoors and outdoors.

Toenail trimming:
Always cut nails with a safety clipper, never a scissors. Cut them straight across and leave plenty of room out from the nailbed or quick. If have difficulty with vision or using hands, let doctor do it or train a family member how to do it safely.

Footwear:
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes whenever feasible to protect feet. To be sure shoes fit properly, see foot doctor for fitting recommendations or shop at shoe stores specializing in fitting people with diabetes.

Exercise:
Regular exercise will improve bone and joint health in feet and legs, improve circulation to legs, and will also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Consult physician prior to beginning any exercise program.

Prevention:

Prevention of diabetic foot problems involves a combination of factors.

Good diabetes control

Regular leg and foot self-examinations

Knowledge on how to recognize problems

Choosing proper footwear

Regular exercise, if able

Avoiding injury by keeping footpaths clear

Having a doctor examine the patient's feet at least once a year using a monofilament, a device made of nylon string that tests sensation