Swollen feet, a common concern among diabetics, may occur due to infections, injuries, blood clots and, more prominently, conditions like diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. In this article, we'll delve into the nuances of diabetes feet swelling, explain how to recognize the signs of this condition, and present effective treatments for managing and preventing it.
What are the signs of diabetic feet?
Diabetics may have two specific problems that are known to affect the feet:
- Diabetic neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can cause a lot of nerve damage. Damaged foot nerves might prevent you from feeling heat, cold, or touch in your feet. If you’re not feeling the sores on your feet If you find sores on your feet but can't feel them, you might be experiencing neuropathy.
- Peripheral vascular disease: Blood flow can often be affected by diabetes. Without proper flow of blood, sores and cuts take longer to heal. If you have an untreated infection due to PVD, you’re at risk for developing ulcers or even gangrene.
When it comes to diabetic foot swelling, pain is a common occurrence. How can you recognize that your swelling is a sign of a more serious issue?
You should be concerned - and talk to your doctor - if you’re experiencing any of the following problems:
- changes in the color of your skin
- sudden temperature changes in the skin
- prolonged feeling of pain in the limbs
- open sores that are slow to heal
- ingrown toenails that are visibly infected
Diabetic foot swelling remedies
As a person who has diabetes, you need to be aware that you’re more vulnerable to leg and foot infections. The American Diabetes Association estimates that around 20% of people with diabetes seek hospital care due to foot-related issues at one point in their lives.
To effectively manage conditions like diabetes and feet swelling, take specific steps to ensure your feet are as healthy as possible. In addition to visiting a doctor every 6 to 12 months for a checkup, you should also follow these diabetes foot care tips:
- Start exercising regularly
Moderate physical activity may lead to an ease in foot swelling. Exercise can help you with weight and blood sugar management, as well as with better blood circulation. All of which can reduce swelling significantly.
- Try using essential oils
The application of essential oils can improve blood circulation in the lower limbs. Lavender oil has been shown to improve blood circulation and reduce edema. Other essential oils that may help are eucalyptus, chamomile, and peppermint.
- Limit your sodium intake
Eating too much salt can make foot swelling worse. The average American consumes 3,400 mg of sodium per day. Limit your intake to 2,300 mg per day, and try cooking food with herbs like oregano, paprika, and garlic powder instead.
- Leg Elevation
Elevating your feet above the level of your heart can significantly alleviate fluid accumulation in the lower extremities, reducing swelling as per the guidelines from the NHS. This elevation encourages fluid to flow back toward your body instead of pooling in your feet.
You can easily achieve this elevation while relaxing on a sofa or reclining in bed.
If you find yourself at a desk and unable to maintain your legs above heart level, utilizing an ottoman or a small stool could offer some relief from the swelling.
A particular yoga pose known as "Legs Up the Wall" can also be beneficial. Here are the steps to perform it:
- Start by lying down on your back and move your buttocks as close to the wall as possible.
- Once comfortable, lift your legs and rest them against the wall.
- Maintain this position for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Hydrate
Consuming more water when your body is retaining fluid may seem counterintuitive. However, increasing your fluid intake typically leads to more fluid being expelled through urination. Additionally, dehydration can prompt your body to hold onto extra water.
Before making any significant changes to your fluid intake, it's crucial to consult with your doctor. If your edema is linked to heart or liver issues, your doctor might recommend restricting your fluid consumption.
What’s the best treatment for diabetes swollen feet?
Specially designed socks for diabetes edema help you ease the swelling and pain. These socks give you the right amount of pressure on your feet and maintain it throughout the day. Diabetic socks improve blood circulation, reducing swelling significantly.
Note that we aren’t talking about compression socks. Although they have many similarities to diabetic socks, compression socks typically start at the ankle. This provides too much restriction and prevents blood from flowing freely. This won’t help with swelling.
Compression socks come in different levels including light, medium, and heavy. Picking the right one can be a hassle. Diabetic socks like Viasox, on the other hand, are universal. They give you just the right amount of comfort without cutting off your blood flow.
How can diabetic socks help you with swelling?
How can diabetic socks ease swelling? Diabetic socks ensure that your feet have optimal circulation by being non-restrictive. This is important because it will allow for healthy blood flow throughout the body.
Since fluid tends to build up during certain activities - hiking, exercising, and even taking a flight. It is essential to keep your socks on while you’re engaging in these activities. If you’re experiencing swelling in one leg from diabetes, talk to your physician to see if you should wear them.
Diabetic socks should be worn throughout the day. Some patients should consider sleeping with their socks on. However, if you like to sleep barefooted, you should keep your feet above the heart level to prevent them from swelling during the night.
Get your diabetic socks today!
That’s how you can treat diabetic foot swelling. Some might put on diabetic socks as soon as they wake up in the morning. Some doctors recommend you wear them while you’re still in bed, only taking them off while you bathe and having them back on until you go back to bed.
Compression socks won’t have the same effect. You need special diabetic socks which you can purchase from Viasox. Luckily, our socks are easy to order and since they come in various colors, they will suit all your stylistic needs.
How does our service work? Head over to our product page, pick how many pairs of socks you want and have them delivered right to your door.
Diabetic foot swelling is a serious matter. Ease it by ordering your pair of Viasox right away.
