Diabetic patients are exposed to many complications, and one of these complications is diabetic finger? In this article, let's learn the most crucial details about him.
Diabetic patients often suffer from problems in their feet, and diabetic patients may develop sores, deformities, and foot infections more easily. In this article, we will learn about diabetic toe, its complications, and the key details:
Diabetic finger
Diabetes complications include poor circulation and nerve damage. These problems make the feet vulnerable to skin ulcers that can fester very quickly, so when foot ulcers develop it is important to treat them quickly, as more than 80% of amputations are caused by foot ulcers.
Amputation and the removal of a finger, toe, or portion of a leg may be necessary in the case of a non-healing ulcer that severely damages bone and tissue.
Symptoms of diabetic finger
Diabetes-related neuropathy is associated with the development of foot ulcers or diabetic toes, and among its most obvious symptoms are the following:
- Dark skin in the affected area of the foot.
- Poor ability to sense heat or cold.
- Hair loss in the area.
- Numbness occurs.
- Pain and numbness in the foot.
Factors that increase the risk of developing diabetic finger
There are many factors and causes that raise the possibility of developing diabetic finger, some of which put some diabetics at higher risk than others. These include the following:
- High blood sugar.
- smoking.
- peripheral neuropathy or foot nerve damage.
- the existence of foot deformities.
- Peripheral artery disease, also called poor blood flow to the extremities.
- previously having foot ulcers
- A previous amputation.
- double vision
- kidney disease;
- Significantly high blood pressure.
Diabetic finger diagnosis
The following steps are used to make the diagnosis:
- The doctor will first ask about the symptoms that the patient is experiencing.
- The doctor examines the patient's finger for symptoms of a finger ulcer.
- In some cases, the doctor may request a diagnostic image, such as: X-ray or CT scan.
- In rare cases, the doctor may take a sample from the sore.
Methods of treating diabetic finger
Diabetic toe treatment varies according to the type and severity of the foot problem. The following are some of the treatment options for diabetic toe:
- Wear corrective shoes to treat diabetic corns.
- Take antibiotics and antifungals in case of mild infections.
- Surgical endoscopy, surgical removal of dead tissue, and then taking antibiotics in the case of gangrene to prevent its spread, and amputation of the affected part in the case of severe gangrene.
- Use of orthotics, splinting, or a brace. Surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of diabetic toe.
Diabetic finger care tips
Proper care of the toe or toe can prevent and treat foot problems before they cause serious complications. The best advice for caring for your diabetic foot is provided below:
- Maintain your health and well-being. Follow your doctor's advice regarding nutrition, exercise, medication, and blood sugar maintenance.
- Every day, wash your feet in warm water with a mild soap while checking the water's temperature with the inside of your elbow. Because nerve damage can affect sensation in your hands as well, you should also avoid soaking your feet in water and dry your feet well, especially between your toes.
- Check your blood flow if it's low and look for sores, blisters, redness, or calluses on your feet every day.
- Apply moisturiser to your feet after washing and drying them, but avoid getting moisturiser in between your toes.
- Once a week, check your nails, trim them straight with nail scissors, being careful not to cut the sides or corners, and then use a nail file to smooth them out.
- Always wear soft elastic socks that are well-fitting, always wear closed-toed shoes, never wear sandals, and never even go barefoot around the house.
- Protect your feet from heat and cold by regularly checking the inside of your shoes to make sure nothing is left inside.
- Maintain blood flow to your feet by elevating them when you sit, moving your toes frequently throughout the day, and avoiding crossing your legs for extended periods of time.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can worsen blood flow problems.
- Ensure that your diabetes doctor examines your feet during each visit, and have a thorough foot exam once a year.
When should I contact the doctor immediately?
Anyone with diabetes should consult a doctor right away if they notice any of the following changes:
- alterations in the skin's colour on the feet.
- swelling in the ankle or foot
- temperature swings in the feet.
- Persistent sores on the feet.
- tingling or pain in the ankles or feet.
- No growth of toenails.
- athlete's foot and other foot fungal infections.
- On the heels, there is dry, cracked skin.
- infection and inflammation symptoms are present.