Are you aware that uncontrolled diabetes can have dire consequences for your foot well well-being? The occurrence of complications such as ingrown toenails is something that most people tend to overlook.
Though these annoying problems may appear as little inconveniences at first, people with diabetes run the risk of turning them into big problems. Anyone who suffers from this disease needs to focus on taking care of their feet.
In this article, we discuss the effects that diabetes can have on the foot in extreme cases and how to take care of ingrown toenails in a safe and preventative manner. We will make sure that your feet are treated with the utmost respect.
Understanding Diabetes and its Effect on Feet
Diabetes works in very many ways within the body and one body part that suffers most and is often ignored is feet. When blood sugar levels are elevated, it can lead to a condition called hyperglycemia, which is caused by nerve cell damage, called neuropathy. This condition decreases the ability to feel the feet which makes it very hard to notice any wounds or infections.
Another ailing factor that is also a challenge for diabetics is low blood circulation. The low amount of blood supply which brings fresh oxygen to the wound makes the healing process a little longer than normal. This combination enhances the possibility of high chances of complications from such problems as minor blisters or cuts.
Furthermore, diabetes can also affect the standard textures and moisture of the skin on your feet. The feet can become too dry and begin to crack and peel which can now serve as potential portals for bacteria infiltration.
With this in mind, there is a possibility that a very controlled ingrown toenail can develop into something more serious if not attended to quickly. The most important aspect for a diabetic is to understand how to look after their feet.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails in Diabetic Patients
People with diabetes may find ingrown toenails particularly distressing. It is not uncommon for them to develop as a consequence of the multiple reasons affecting the feet.
Diabetics also suffer from poor circulation. This reduces blood to the peripheries hence deliveries of nutrients and immunity to the nails and surrounding tissues enhancing the chances of ingrown nails and its advancement.
Probably, the most important contributing factor is nerve damage or neuropathy. This could lead to insensitivity of the toes due to inflammation which may be unwittingly sustained on the nail bed.
Nail-trimming practices are also a leading cause of this. People with diabetes may have limited and impaired vision or movement that would ideally allow them to cut their nails appropriately.
Moreover, since diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections, they are also more likely to develop fingernail fungus. If it goes untreated, these infections can cause great damage to the structure of the nail and cause it to grow inward.
Symptoms to Look Out For
This is another area where a diabetic person should be alert – recognizing the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. This way, more serious consequences can be prevented.
Attempt to see any swelling or redness at the edge of the nail. This is usually a sign of an inflamed condition and should never be taken lightly.
The affected area may also feel swollen making it difficult to put on footwear or even walk. If you do notice such signs, focus on how the affected toenail feels in the course of the day.
Pain is yet another important sign. It can start as a dull throb but develop in intensity into quite an annoying sensation.
Pale, lumpy areas or drains from the region could indicate some form of infection. So, any type of discharge should be dealt with urgently to prevent such a situation from occurring.
Lastly, if any hyperpigmentation or temperature-wise changes have been observed in the skin in the area around the toe, help should be sought. These can be the symptoms of blood and nerve issues which are common in diabetics.
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails with Diabetes
Treatment for ingrown toenails in patients with diabetes is also a sensitive issue. Therefore, a precise diagnosis and a well-formulated management plan must be sought from a health professional.
In mild cases soaking the foot in warm water can be soothing. It will also ease the skin around the nail which is swollen and hard. An antiseptic ointment should assist in irritation.
In some cases where the painful symptoms are still present, a podiatrist may indicate in some inflamed places, inserting a tiny amount of cotton or dental floss to lift the nail’s edge slightly to relieve some of the pressure in the area’s tissue. In even more advanced cases it may be necessary to perform a partial nail avulsion.
In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed as a matter of routine where there is an infection. Likewise, control of blood sugars is also very important in the healing and recovery process.
Overall, if the course of treatment is assessed and modified, such regular follow-ups are helpful and necessary. Having effective communication with one’s healthcare team is also necessary to manage both diabetes and foot diseases effectively.
Prevention Tips for Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetic foot problems can be prevented by acting ahead of them due to the fact that prevention is better than cure. Foot care should entail regular inspection of feet for cuts, blisters, and red spots. Early management can avert serious repercussive effects.
Wear comfortable shoes that are not very tight but offer considerable support. Shoes should not be too narrow or tight in places as they can create pressure points that may lead to injuries.
Wash your feet every day with gentle soap and be sure to dry them well. Ensure that there is no moisture retained in the spaces between the toes as it is a moist area.
For foot care, when doing the toenails, cut them in a straight line to minimize the likelihood of ingrown nails. If their toenails are so thick, then they should visit a podiatrist.
It is also recommended to keep your feet moisturized in a reasonable way and avoid putting lotion between the toes as it is a haven for fungal infections. It is also worth noting that being active while of course keeping an active lifestyle allows enhanced circulation of the peripheral blood in the feet, which is good for the overall health of the toes.
Importance of Proper Foot Care for Diabetics
As for foot care for diabetics, it is essential and a must. High levels of blood sugar normally lead to nerve damage as well as a decrease in blood circulation which leads to an increased susceptance of infections and their related complications.
Self-checking by the patient for any foot problems and cuts is very valuable and should be carried out. Self-checking involves looking for any cut or blister or any alteration of skin color. This allows early intervention before small problems escalate to high-magnitude problems.
Ensuring that the patient wears the right shoes is also critical. Comfortable and supportive well-fitted shoes should be the choice for a diabetic patient. Otherwise, ill-fitting shoes will cause skin abrasion, which if not well cared for, will result in injuries.
As for the feet, it is essential to keep them moisturized but again avoid moisture between the toes as it encourages fungal infections.
Seeing a healthcare professional is an appointment that should never be missed. Their advice can enable one to maintain proper foot hygiene and care based on their needs as well as the causes for concern.
It is advisable for the patients to be keen with their foot care. Diabetics are likely to enjoy better health while minimizing their risks when it comes to managing diabetes.
Summary
Diabetic foot is a very important aspect of diabetic management. Ingrown toenails appear to be a major problem among those patients and may cause discomfort and further risk.
Diabetics need to be educated on the risks; how to self-examine for the earliest signs of trouble and how to seek the right therapy when required in order to enhance their foot as part of their overall care.
There is also a role for effort in the primary prevention of disease. Foot inspection and hygiene practices are basic but work well. Conventional shoes also minimize the chances of ingrown toenails.
It’s also critical that every person living with diabetes pays attention to their feet. Almost all the problems related to this disease can be prevented with the right amount of care and attention – leading to a healthier lifestyle – and many more practical advantages to diabetes sufferers in the long run.
