Health Articles

Knowledge

Foot Care for Diabetic Patient

Foot Care for Diabetic Patient


Wounds and other complications of the feet in diabetic patients can be commonly found. Diabetic patients with wound on their feet can end up with leg amputation. However, if you know how to take care of foot health properly, you can prevent the cause of wounds on the feet.


Foot care for diabetic patients


1. Clean your feet with mild soap after taking morning-evening shower. Dry your feet with clean and soft cloth, especially in the skin between the toes. Clean every day to prevent dampness, which might be a reservoir of bacteria and fungus.


2. Check your feet every day to search for abnormalities. For example: Bunion, thick skin, blister, cracked skin, wound inflammation, abnormal dark or pale skin, ingrown nail around the toes, the skin between the toes, heels, and soles that are hard to look at with the help of a mirror. When finding abnormalities, consult the doctor immediately. (Do not cut the bunion or thick skin by yourself)


3. Apply lotion to moisten the skin after taking morning-evening shower. Pour the lotion on the palm and bathe the feet. Avoid applying the lotion around the skin between the fingers to prevent accumulation. Those who have damp skin and can sweat easily, dry the feet and put powder to reduce the dampness.


4. Always wear socks or stockings when wearing shoes. Avoid wearing socks or stockings too tight.


5. Wear shoes at all times both inside and outside the house. Do not walk with bare feet. The shoes must not be too loose or too tight. Before wearing, look at the inside for foreign objects to prevent the cause of wounds.


6. Avoid soaking the feet, whether in warm water or regular water, to prevent the skin from becoming soft. In those who have numbness in your hands and feet, soaking in warm water or too hot water might cause blister and infection.


7. When a wound occurs, clean the wound with saline water and Betadine (Avoid using alcohol, iodine tincture, or hydrogen peroxide). If the wound does not heal and inflammation, pain, swelling, redness, heat, pus, and fever occur, consult the doctor.


8. Cut the nails after taking a shower to soften the nails so that it can be cut easily. Cut the nails properly according to the following procedures:


8.1 Cut the nails to be in the same line as the length of the fingers. Do not cut too short to prevent ingrown nails.


8.2 File the nails to curve along the fingers carefully. File in the same direction. Do not go back and forth to prevent friction with the skin around the nails.


8.3 Eliminate the sharpness of the nails by using a file to sharpen from the top of the nails. Turn the end of the file towards yourself. If found that there are nail problems, thick and hard nails that are difficult to cut, ingrown nails, or any nail problems, consult the doctor.


9. Abstain from smoking because it is an important factor that leads to atherosclerosis or loss of feet.


10. Exercise the feet regularly to stimulate the blood circulation, strengthen the muscles, and prevent ankylosis.


10.1 Stretch the muscles before exercising the feet


10.1.1 Sit and extend the feet. Tilt the feet until feeling tightness on the calf.


10.1.2 Stand and move one leg in front of the other. Bend the front knee and stretch the rear knee. The rear heel is on the floor. The back is straight. In order to stretch the muscles, hold still for 10-15 seconds about 3-5 times per one posture.


10.2 How to exercise the feet (15-20 times of exercise)


10.2.1 Stand on tiptoe up-down


10.2.2 Tilt the feet up-down


10.2.3 Tilt the feet up high. Stretch the feet down low.


10.2.4 Turn the sole inward. Stretch the feet downward. Then, turn the sole outward and tilt the ankle up high.


10.2.5 Turn the ankle clockwise. Then, turn the ankle counter clockwise.


10.2.6 Open-close the toes


10.2.7 Bend-stretch the toes



Summary


The cause of wounds on the feet of diabetic patients can be prevented. From the studies, it was found that 15 percent of diabetic patients will have wounds on the feet, which might lead to leg amputation. The risk rate of leg amputation in diabetic patients is 15-40 times of non-diabetic patients. Having the proper knowledge in foot care can reduce the chance of losing organs.



Therefore, if you check your feet regularly, like it is one of your important duties that you need to do in your daily life with proper knowledge of health care and when to see the doctor, you can be confident that you will definitely not lose your feet or legs.



For more information, please contact Diabetes and Metabolic Center in the Inbox.

Read other articles at www.praram9.com/en



บทความที่เกี่ยวข้อง (10)

View All

Calcified Plaque in the Coronary Arteries: The Silent Killer!

Understanding the Causes of Blockage Many people believe that coronary artery disease develops only with age. However, coronary artery problems can begin much earlier in life. The risk starts in youth when fatty deposits (fatty streaks) begin to form in the coronary arteries. Over time, these deposits thicken, eventually leading to artery blockages. Dr. Anupong Parinayok, a cardiologist at Praram 9 Heart and Vascular Institute, explains that the problem begins when the inner lining of blood vessels becomes inflamed and dysfunctional, often due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, also play a significant role. These factors make the blood vessel walls more prone to inflammation, allowing oxidized LDL cholesterol to infiltrate and accumulate within them. Over time, this buildup forms plaques and calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. If these plaques rupture, they can trigger the formation of a blood clot, leading to an acute heart attack. At this stage, quick medical intervention is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Ideally, however, it is best to prevent reaching this stage.

Fear of the Sun? It Could Be Putting You at Risk for “Osteoporosis”

When people thinking of Thailand, many picture the sun, and just imaging it can make you want to grab an umbrella. But did you know that sunlight is more important to Thais than you might think? The gentle sunlight of the early morning and late afternoon not only warms the body but also helps produce vitamin D, which is crucial for strengthening bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Many people view sunlight as harmful, causing skin damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, leading them to overlook its benefits. Studies show that sunlight is essential for preventing osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency. Exercising under soft sunlight in the morning allows the body to absorb vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In Thailand, 2.5-3% of the population of all genders and ages suffer from osteoporosis. Dr. Peeraphong Sawatdipong, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements at Praram 9 Hospital, revealed that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Thailand, affecting 30-40% of patients. The primary cause is an excessive fear of sunlight, leading to fragile bones and a higher risk of fractures, particularly among the elderly and postmenopausal women. In reality, morning sunlight, when absorbed through the skin, significantly helps the body produce vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Why Are Young, Active People Still at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Recently, we’ve often heard of athletes—seemingly healthy and young—suddenly passing away, raising concerns about the true cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletes and young adults. Is there a connection with exercise? And how can we handle such situations to prevent unforeseen tragedies for ourselves and our loved ones? The Real Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Dr. Phonpitchaya Boondee, a cardiologist at the Praram 9 Cardiovascular Institute, explains that the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest tends to increase with age. Among younger people, it occurs at a rate of 1:100,000, which rises to 50:100,000 in middle-aged adults and up to 200:100,000 in those over 80 years old. Additionally, men are more at risk of coronary artery disease than women. In young individuals with no underlying conditions, the primary cause of sudden cardiac arrest are usually electrical disturbances of the heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are often genetic heart conditions that may present no prior symptoms, leaving individuals unaware they have heart disease.

Ovarian Cysts: A Hidden Threat Every Woman Should Know

These days, who would have thought that “ovarian cysts” would become a silent danger women need to be aware of? What’s even more concerning is that ovarian cysts often present no clear warning signs. Many women may be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst until they experience severe symptoms such as intense menstrual cramps, irregular periods, abdominal bloating, noticeable lumps in the pelvic area, or severe pain during intercourse. If left untreated, this condition can potentially be life-threatening. Unveiling the Secrets of Ovarian Cysts with a Specialist Professor Emeritus Dr. Sangchai Preutthipan, a specialist in reproductive medicine and laparoscopic surgery from Praram 9 Hospital, explains that the “ovaries” are small, thumb-sized organs responsible for producing eggs each month. With each ovulation, a fluid-filled sac forms around the egg. Sometimes, these sacs don’t dissolve as they should, leading to cyst formation. There are several types of ovarian cysts, including those caused by ovarian dysfunction, tumor-related cysts, endometriosis cysts (also known as chocolate cysts), cysts resembling other body tissues, and even cancerous cysts. Dr. Sangchai further notes that women of reproductive age up until menopause are at risk for ovarian cysts. Around 30-35% of women develop cysts due to ovarian dysfunction, while 20% develop tumor-related or chocolate cysts. Approximately 15% may have cysts that resemble other tissue types, and 1-5% are diagnosed with cancerous cysts. Each type of cyst carries different health risks.

Kidney Transplant Surgery Procedure, Recovery, and Complications to Monitor

Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting a kidney from a living donor or a donor who is brain-dead into a patient with chronic kidney failure, without removing the patient’s existing kidneys. The new kidney takes over the function of the damaged kidneys. The success rate of kidney transplantation is relatively high, and after the procedure, patients can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. Therefore, kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment for chronic kidney failure. However, it is a major surgery with complex procedures. Before the operation, the donor kidney must be carefully matched to the recipient with chronic kidney failure, ensuring compatibility of blood and tissue between the donor and recipient to prevent rejection. Once a suitable kidney is found, the surgeon will perform the transplant on the patient. During and after the surgery, patients may face the risk of serious complications, so they must be closely monitored by a medical team. After the surgery, patients need to recover in the hospital to ensure that the new kidney is functioning properly and effectively.

Protect Yourself from Monkeypox: Know the Signs and Stay Safe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to a severe outbreak of monkeypox across Africa, where more than 450 deaths have been reported. Previously, in 2022, the WHO declared a public health emergency due to an outbreak of Clade 2, which is known for its milder symptoms. Although Clade 2 spread to over 100 countries, including Europe and Asia, it resulted in more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths, with a mortality rate of 4%. The outbreak was primarily concentrated among the LGBTQ+ community, which allowed for targeted vaccination efforts to contain it effectively. This time, however, the outbreak involves Clade 1, which is much more severe, with a mortality rate of up to 10%. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), more than 14,500 monkeypox cases and over 450 deaths were reported between early 2024 and July, This represents a 160% increase in infections and a 19% increase in deaths compared to the same period in 2023.

How Long Can A Kidney Transplant Recipient Live After Surgery?

The kidneys are vital organs in the body, making kidney disease a significant issue that affects both the patient’s quality of life and the lives of those who care for them. Today, there has been an increase in kidney disease cases compared to the past, with a growing number of patients reaching end-stage chronic kidney failure and requiring urgent treatment. Kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment option for restoring the patient’s quality of life.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms! Which type of thyroid disease do these symptoms indicate?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. Its main function is to produce thyroid hormones, which are crucial for the body’s metabolic system. These hormones also contribute to growth and regulate heart rate, body temperature, and other hormonal functions. When the thyroid gland malfunctions, it can affect the levels of thyroid hormones in the body, leading to conditions like hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone), or other thyroid disorders. Patients with these conditions may exhibit different symptoms. This article will explain the symptoms of various types of thyroid diseases to help you recognize them early. If you suspect any issues, it’s important to consult a doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Cardiac Arrhythmia : A warning sign that may lead to heart failure

The heart is an essential organ that works tirelessly all the time. On average, the heart beats around 100,000 times a day. Nowadays, heart disease is becoming increasingly common and close to us. We often hear news of people we know, or those close to us, passing away due to heart disease, or instances of athletes collapsing during competitions caused by irregular heartbeats. Cardiac arrhythmia is considered a type of heart disease that is frequently mentioned today. An irregular heartbeat causes abnormal heart contractions. If severe and left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. Therefore, taking care of heart health is extremely important and should not be neglected.

Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery: A Great Option for Women

When it comes to women’s surgeries, besides the anxiety about the results, the pain from the surgery and the scars afterward are other significant concerns. Nowadays, medical advancements have provided women with treatment options that yield good results while leaving only small scars. The pain from the surgical wound is minimal, recovery is quick, and there are no severe complications. One such option is gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved | Praram 9 Hospital