Diabetic Nerve Pain: Guidelines on Foot Care Tips

Diabetic nerve pain is a physical condition affecting around 20% to 40% of diabetic patients. Though the actual cause of nerve pain has not yet been ascertained, it is believed by the medical fraternity that high blood sugar (glucose) levels results in such symptoms. The damages caused to the nerve on account of diabetes is more pronounced in the region of feet and legs.

Nerve damage caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy makes even the gentlest human touch unbearable for the afflicted as they experience shooting, stabbing or throbbing pain. However, in this context extensive research by scholars and scientists have revealed that diabetic neuropathy can be prevented when the afflicted is aware of this disease. Through improved blood sugar control, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol level, reducing alcohol intake and smoking can help the patient overcome this affliction..

As diabetes primarily reduces blood flow to the feet, this condition deprives the legs of oxygen and nutrient flow. It may also lead to numbness in the affected region. This results in blisters, sores and cuts which may become highly infectious and, if not treated promptly, may lead to amputation. To prevent such occurrences, some effective foot care tips are outlined herein as remedial measures:

Firstly, each foot should be thoroughly checked daily for blisters or infections. Secondly, washing the feet with lukewarm water briefly also helps. Thirdly, the footwear must fit well and be of quality material as otherwise they cause skin irritation. Fourthly, the patient should avoid walking barefoot Fifthly, wearing thick pair of socks helps in padding and cushioning the feet which prevents calluses and sore spots from developing.

As nerve damage remains unpredictable, any change in sensation to the toes, feet or legs, irrespective of its triviality, has to be immediately brought to the attention of a physician. The skin on the foot may be dry or cracked. Applying lotion keeps the skin soft and smooth, thus preventing bacterial growth in the cracked area. Corns and calluses need to be filed promptly and nails trimmed to avoid ingrown toe nails. Visiting a good podiatrist helps in addressing the problems such as corns, bunions and hammertoes

Finally regular exercise like swimming, cycling and yoga are increasingly gaining in popularity as they exert minimal impact on the feet. As one's foot is source of mobility and independence, it is imperative that this part of the anatomy is given continuous care and attention.

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