Diabetes is a chronic disease which gives many complications in time. One complication refers to the foot problems which can appear due to nerve damage and blood vessel damage all caused by diabetes. As there is no visible lesion on the exterior of the leg and only inside, the patient will not go to the doctor in the early stages of the foot problem. When an infection or a large sore will be visible then the patient will present for treatment but in that stage the body will have fewer chances to fight the infection with all the treatment's help and drastic measures will be needed in order to save the foot.
In order to avoid such complications the diabetic patient should educate himself in checking his feet every day to see in there is any sign of infection, should wash his feet daily and they apply a softening cream on the dry areas. In order to have a good circulation of the blood the patient should have an active lifestyle, should stop smoking and should remind the doctor to check on his feet every time he goes for a visit to the doctor's office.
Doctors recommend that a patient suffering of diabetes type 2 to go for a visit every three months. From time to time a complete examination is needed. This means that the blood pressure will be checked, the foot will be examined, and a neurological exam will be performed along with an ophthalmologic exam too. The level of glucose in the blood must also be checked.
Once a year, the patient will have other investigations like: a urine test for protein, serum creatinine, cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides, and an ECG.
In order to reduce the risk of complications the patient needs to keep diabetes under control, meaning controlling blood glucose and blood pressure which will save the patient from stroke and heart failure.
The long term complications are: diabetic retinopathy (this means that the eye is affected), diabetic neuropathy (the nerves have been affected), diabetic nephropathy (the kidney is affected), atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.
The diabetic patient should call the doctor if headaches, confusion, trembling, double vision or dizziness install. Calling the doctor is needed because these manifestations can transform into convulsions, unconsciousness, or hypoglycemic coma.
It is highly recommended for people aged over 45 to have their blood level of glucose checked every 3 years and even sooner if there is a family history of diabetes.
Clubfoot. Clubfoot is a common birth defect occurring in approximately 1 out of every 1000 births. It affects males more often than females and can affect one or both feet. Clubfoot should be diagnosed at birth (although sometimes doctors can diagnose clubfoot while the baby is still in the womb) and treatment should begin within the first weeks of the baby's life. The most common treatment for clubfoot is called the Ponseti Method. This method of treatment involves multiple castings of the foot that gradually coax the foot into the corrected position. Most children make a 100 percent recovery, although the corrected foot tends to be smaller and stiffer than normal.
Flat Feet. Most infants appear to have flat feet due to baby fat that conceals the arch of their foot. Flat feet is relatively common among children (some studies estimate as many as 20 percent of children have flat feet) although it usually goes away in early childhood. Spending time barefoot will help your child develop healthy arches. If you think your child may have flat feet, it might be time to take the shoes off! Some children will not grow out of their flat feet and may experience pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips and backs as a result of their condition. Talk to your podiatrist about orthotics (special orthopedic padding) for your child. These orthotic devices will help support your child's feet and encourage the muscles in the arch of the foot to develop.
Ingrown Toenails. Some children are genetically predisposed to ingrown toenails. The shape of their nail bed (the skin that lies beneath the nail) or the nail itself may encourage the nail to grow into the skin. This can especially be problematic among children or adolescents who lack the proper foot hygiene to properly care for their toenails. Cut younger children's toenails for them (straight across and not too short), and remind older children to cut their toenails regularly.
Foot problems in children should be treated early and aggressively to prevent long-term deformity. You may want to take your child to a podiatrist if you notice unusual bumps on your child's foot; if you notice signs of infection (look for redness, swelling or discharge); if you notice uneven wear on your child's shoes (this tends to occur when your child is either flat footed or has high arches); if you notice blotchiness in the skin or toenail problems; if your child has trouble walking or trips over his own two feet; or if your child complains of foot pain or tenderness.
Both Groshan Fabiola & Kent are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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