It is normal to experience swollen feet from time to time.
From eating too much salt to experiencing hormonal changes, it can cause swelling in the limbs.
However, if you live with diabetes, your legs may be prone to swelling. This can be a sign of a fundamental problem.
But if you have diabetes, what causes your feet to swell? And how can you handle it?
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about swollen feet and diabetes.
What does swelling feet have to do with diabetes?
If you live with diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia levels can affect blood circulation and cause fluid accumulation in the lower limbs and feet.
Over time, people with diabetes can lose their foot and toe emotions.
If they develop a foot infection, it may be irrelevant.
This can cause serious harm if not treated, leading to uncontrolled infections and swelling that your doctor needs to treat.
It is important for people with diabetes to check regularly for bruises, scuffs, cuts, scars and wounds.
Swelling is also known as edema.
Edema can affect the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Not only is this uncomfortable, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life and can be a sign that your diabetes is inadequately managed.
What causes swelling in the feet?
There are two main causes of swelling in the feet in people with diabetes, but there are many common causes of swelling in the feet.
Sometimes it can be a sign of more serious health complications.
However, in many cases, swelling in the legs is temporary and can be treated at home.
The circulation is bad
Hyperglycemia experienced over time can damage the lining of small blood vessels in the body.
This contributes to poor circulation in the lower limbs, especially the lower limbs (calves), ankles and feet.
Poor circulation can lead to edema or swelling.
infection
Foot infections in diabetic patients are also a common cause of swelling and need to be treated promptly by a doctor to prevent further complications.
In many cases, people with diabetes lose their senses in the feet due to neurological disorders (neurological damage).
They may mistakenly step into foreign objects that remain on their feet for weeks or months without notice.
This can lead to unintended foot infections, especially if your feet are not cleaned and dried.
This is why people with diabetes always recommend wearing clean socks and shoes, especially when they’re outside.
Other causes of swelling
If you don’t have diabetes, your legs may be swollen. for example:
- If an infection occurs
- If you eat too much salt and keep water
- If you’re pregnant or overweight
- If you are taking certain medications
- If you have unprocessed sprains or fractures
- If you are experiencing hormone problems
This is usually temporary and not a threat to your health.
If you have diabetes you may experience swelling feet, but it may not be Because of diabetes.
Swelling of the lower limbs is not necessarily harmful.
However, if you have diabetes and your lower limbs, ankles, and/or feet are swollen for several weeks without any other explanation, contact your doctor.
Although rare, swelling indicates heart, liver, or kidney problems.
Swelling ankles at night are a signs of holding water and salt due to heart failure on the right side.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can also cause swelling in the ankles and feet.
What are the symptoms of swelling in the feet?
Many people can say they suffer from edema based solely on vision.
However, even moderate swelling of the feet and feet can make your shoes and socks tighter than usual.
It may be difficult to walk, run, or exercise normally with swollen feet, and it may be painful to do so.
If your feet are caused by an underlying infection, your feet may be flushed and touched and become hot.
If swollen feet are negatively affecting your quality of life or you think you have an infection, contact your doctor.
How do you treat swollen feet from diabetes?
If the swollen feet are the result of an infection or a wound, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the cause and reduce the swelling.
If walking hurts, call your doctor if it doesn’t suit your shoes.
Your swelling may be caused by an unprocessed fracture or sprain, and you need immediate caution.
However, if the fracture or infection is not broken, the following treatments can help reduce swelling often at home:
Raise your legs
You’ve probably heard this suggestion before, and that’s because it works!
Raise your feet above heart levels throughout the day to reduce swelling.
It’s easy to lift your legs while watching or reading TV.
If done regularly, swelling can decrease quickly.
Wear compression socks
Putting compression socks helps reduce swelling.
Applying appropriate pressure on the calves, lower limbs and legs helps to promote blood circulation.
It is important to wear compression socks during the day and remove them before going to bed.
Make sure your compression socks are not too tight or you can actually limit your blood circulation even further.
You can start with lighter compression socks and head down your path.
Do not wear compression socks over open wounds or infections.
Drinking water
Many people experience swollen feet because they eat too much sodium found in salty foods and maintain their water.
Drink water to flush the body, reduce overall inflammation, and reduce swelling in your feet, ankles and feet.
Your body also seems counterintuitive as it retains excess water when it gets dehydrated, but more water actually reduces swelling.
Eat low-salt food
This works with drinking more water.
Eat a low-salt salt diet consisting of untreated, untreated foods that help relieve swelling and inflammation, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.
These foods are also great for those living with diabetes, so they’re beneficial for both parties!
The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 2,300 mg or less. Sodium per day. It may be even less for people with diabetes or other chronic conditions.
Consult your doctor about the daily sodium that you need to aim for, especially if you are dealing with chronic swelling.
Exercise regularly
Periodic exercise to pump the heart and promote circulation. This in turn reduces swelling.
Start with activities like walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, or at least 30 minutes per day.
If you live with diabetes, exercise is also good. This helps lower blood sugar and HBA1C levels and keeps your weight in excess.
Maintain weight and lose excess weight
Maintaining a healthy weight will help relieve swelling.
Maintaining weight will help you fight insulin resistance and will help you maintain good blood sugar and A1c levels.
This helps prevent inadequate circulation and infection. This is two main causes of swelling in diabetic patients.
You can also lose excess weight:
- Reverse diabetes
- Reduces joint pain
- Improves sleep and energy
It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, which are the leading causes of death in diabetic patients.
Run the Epsom Salt Soak bus
Run the Epsom salt bass to help reduce swelling in your lower legs, ankles and feet.
Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate compound that helps reduce swelling and relieve pain in painful joints and muscles.
This is a great way to calm down after a long day of experiencing swelling in your legs.
Be careful if you have diabetic neuropathy. Test the water temperature before diving in to avoid burning yourself.
If you have diabetes, how can you prevent swelling legs?
A detailed check of blood sugar levels can prevent many instances of swelling in the feet.
This is not just about the health of your feet. It is especially important for age-related heart and kidney health.
Additionally, regular checking your feet for bruises, wounds and open wounds can help prevent infection.
Always keep your feet clean and dry, and wear clean socks and shoes, especially when you’re outside.
It helps you eat a low-sodium diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and maintain weight.
You may not be able to prevent swollen feet all the time, but following these strategies will reduce the frequency of experiencing swollen feet!
Are swollen feet considered a complication of diabetes?
No, but they can be a side effect of living with diabetes.
Additionally, chronically swollen feet can be a symptom or sign of diabetic complications.
These include nerve damage (neuropathy), slow-healing wounds, or untreated infections.
In the worst-case scenario, these can lead to further complications such as low-leg amputations.
If you have diabetes and experience chronic swelling in your lower limbs, ankles, or feet, your doctor should check it out regularly.
What is the best home remedy for swollen feet?
Prevents swelling feet by maintaining hydration, exercising regularly, eating a low-salt diet, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
If your legs are already swollen, home therapy is a major factor. Raise your feet, remove the epsom salt soak, and put on compressed socks to reassure you.
