7 Ways to Overcome Swollen Feet due to Diabetes, Let's Check!

Illustration of swollen feet due to diabetes (photo: Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Diabetes can damage blood vessels, causing poor circulation and triggering edema, excessive swelling in the legs and ankles due to fluid buildup in the tissues. So, how do you deal with swollen feet due to diabetes?

In people with diabetes, edema usually occurs after eating salty foods and sitting too long in one position.

Some people can also experience swelling due to hormonal changes. However, that is not the only cause of swelling.

Diabetes and Swelling in the Feet

Quoted from Healthline, diabetes is a condition when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and serves to help cells absorb sugar from the blood.

If the body does not use insulin effectively, the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood will increase. Without treatment, high sugar levels can damage the lining of small blood vessels and cause circulatory disorders.

This circulatory disorder can make fluid accumulate in the feet and ankles, causing swelling (edema).

In the long term, high blood sugar levels can also damage nerves, especially in the feet and legs. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy, which can cause numbness.

As a result, sufferers find it difficult to feel injuries such as sprains, fractures, or minor wounds. Injuries that are not treated can cause swelling, even a risk of infection if the wound is not treated properly.

Therefore, diabetics are advised to regularly check their feet, including checking for wounds, bruises, or other signs of injury. Examination by a specialist doctor is also important to monitor nerve and blood circulation conditions.

In addition, there are several other factors that can trigger edema in diabetics, including:

Obesity Venous vascular disorders Heart disease Kidney disorders Drug side effects

In rare cases, edema can also be caused by capillary leakage or the use of large amounts of insulin.

How to Overcome Swollen Feet due to Diabetes

Still from the same source, here are some ways to overcome swollen feet due to diabetes that can be practiced:

Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks serve to maintain the right pressure on the feet and legs, so that it can help improve blood circulation while reducing swelling. This is also supported by research that shows its benefits for vascular health.

This type of socks generally covers the calf area up to the knee. The way to use it is quite like ordinary socks, namely worn during the day and removed before going to bed.

It should be noted that compression socks should not be too tight. Start with a mild level of pressure, then gradually increase if necessary. If it's too tight, it can actually hinder blood flow. In addition, avoid using it on areas of the foot that have open wounds or irritation so as not to aggravate the condition.

Raise the Foot Position

Raising the feet to be above the heart position can help reduce fluid buildup in the lower body and relieve swelling. With this position, fluid that was previously collected in the legs can flow back into the body.

You can lift your legs while sitting on the sofa or while lying in bed.

If you are sitting at a desk and it is not possible to keep your feet above heart level, using a footrest (ottoman) or a small stool can help reduce swelling.

The Legs Up the Wall yoga pose can also be a useful option. Here's how:

Lie on your back and position your buttocks as close to the wall as possible. In the lying position, lift both legs and rest them against the wall. Hold the position for about 5 to 10 minutes.

The next way to overcome swollen feet due to diabetes is to exercise regularly. This tip is not only useful for controlling weight and increasing blood sugar levels, but it can also help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling due to lack of activity.

To start with, you can choose a type of light exercise that does not put extra burden on the body, such as swimming, cycling, or walking.

Based on a review of research in 2018, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training has been shown to be most effective in helping to manage blood sugar levels.

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight

Achieving and maintaining ideal body weight is an important step in managing diabetes. With controlled body weight, the body will be easier to keep blood sugar levels stable.

When blood sugar levels are within normal limits, the risk of blood vessel damage can be minimized. This is important because blood vessel damage can cause circulatory disorders that lead to swelling.

In addition to helping control diabetes, maintaining an ideal body weight also provides various other benefits, such as reducing joint pain, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increasing energy for daily activities.

Meet Fluid Needs

If your body is holding onto fluids, drinking more water may sound counterintuitive. However, the more fluids you consume, the more fluids you will excrete through urine. In addition, the body tends to hold on to more water when you are dehydrated.

Before increasing fluid intake, it is best to consult a doctor first to ensure that this step is appropriate for your condition. In some cases, such as edema caused by heart or liver disorders, doctors can actually recommend fluid restriction.

Limit Salt Consumption

Consuming too much salty food can worsen swelling. Referring to The U.S Dietary Guidline for Americans, the maximum limit of sodium intake is no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day.

If you have diabetes, your salt needs may be lower. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor regarding the safe limit of daily salt consumption.

To reduce salt intake, you can take the following steps:

Increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables Avoid processed foods Choose canned products with low sodium content Use spices as a substitute for salt, such as powdered garlic, oregano, paprika, and others. Soak your feet with Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a compound of magnesium sulfate that can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. To make a soothing foot soak, fill a container or basin with warm water, then add Epsom salt.

If you have diabetic neuropathy, be sure to check the water temperature first with your hand so as not to hurt your feet. In addition, avoid soaking your feet with Epsom salt if there are open wounds.

That's the information about how to overcome swollen feet due to diabetes. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.