How should patients with diabetic foot exercise?

Diabetic foot is a common and serious complication in diabetic patients. Proper exercise is crucial for improving blood circulation and nerve function in the feet. However, inappropriate exercise can aggravate foot injuries. Therefore, mastering the correct exercise method is crucial for patients with diabetic foot.

Why do patients with diabetic foot need to pay special attention to their exercise methods?

Patients with diabetic foot often suffer from both vascular disease and nerve damage. Vascular disease leads to insufficient blood supply to the lower limbs, making ischemic pain and tissue hypoxia more likely during exercise. Nerve damage reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult for patients to detect minor injuries caused by exercise. These minor injuries can develop into difficult-to-heal ulcers under the influence of heat, friction, and pressure. Patients with diabetic foot often experience decreased joint mobility and muscle atrophy, requiring targeted exercise to maintain function. Exercise for patients with diabetic foot needs to be conducted under professional guidance, balancing the benefits of exercise with potential risks.

What types of exercise are suitable for patients with diabetic foot?

Low-impact aerobic exercise is the best choice. Walking is the most convenient and easy exercise, but the time and intensity need to be controlled. It is recommended to start with 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase to 30 minutes. Water exercise uses the buoyancy of water to reduce the weight on the feet and is suitable for patients with joint diseases. Stationary bicycles can improve blood circulation in the lower limbs without increasing the pressure on the soles of the feet and are one of the ideal choices. Foot exercises on the chair include ankle pump exercises, toe flexion and extension, and ankle rotation. These exercises can be performed at any time to promote blood return. Strength training should focus on the lower limb muscles, such as seated leg flexion and extension, but weight-bearing exercises should be avoided. All exercises should be performed step by step, and warm-up and relaxation should be done before and after the exercise.

What protective measures should you take when exercising?

A foot check is essential before exercising. Before every day of exercise, carefully inspect your feet, especially between the toes and the soles, to check for redness, swelling, blisters, damage, or temperature changes. Choosing the right athletic shoes and socks is crucial. Shoes should provide adequate support and cushioning, with plenty of room inside. It's best to try shoes on in the afternoon, when your feet tend to swell slightly. Socks should be seamless and moisture-wicking. Avoid exercising in extreme temperatures, such as overheating or overcooling. Check your feet immediately after exercise, and address any abnormalities immediately. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wash and thoroughly dry them after exercise, especially between the toes.

When should you stop exercising?

Stop exercising and seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occur: new lesions or ulcers develop on the feet; redness, swelling, exudation, or increased pain in existing wounds; lower limb pain during exercise, especially calf muscle pain, which may indicate vascular disease; increased paresthesias in the feet, such as numbness or tingling; changes in skin color, such as paleness or purple; or abnormal changes in toenails. In addition, exercise should be suspended if blood sugar control is unstable, fasting blood sugar is higher than 13.9mmol/L, or ketosis occurs. Persistent discomfort or fatigue for more than 2 hours after exercise indicates that the exercise intensity is too high and the exercise plan needs to be adjusted.

How to develop a personalized exercise plan?

The exercise plan for patients with diabetic foot needs to be individualized. First, a comprehensive foot assessment should be conducted, including vascular condition, degree of neuropathy, and joint mobility. The type and intensity of exercise should be determined based on the assessment results. It is generally recommended to exercise 3-5 times a week, 20-30 minutes each time. The intensity of exercise should be sufficient to cause slight sweating, and the heart rate should be controlled at 50-70% of the maximum heart rate. Exercise should be performed 1-2 hours after a meal, when blood sugar levels are relatively stable. It is helpful to keep an exercise log, including exercise time, type, intensity, and foot condition, and blood sugar levels before and after exercise. Adjust the exercise plan at regular follow-up visits, and modify the plan in a timely manner according to changes in physical condition.

Exercise management for patients with diabetic foot requires extreme caution. Appropriate exercise can improve blood circulation in the lower limbs, strengthen muscles, and enhance quality of life. However, inappropriate exercise can cause serious complications. The key is to find a balance and develop and implement a personalized exercise plan under professional guidance. Remember, prevention is better than cure. A combination of meticulous foot care and scientific exercise methods is essential for effective management of diabetic foot. Never ignore even the smallest changes in your feet; promptly seeking medical advice can provide professional treatment recommendations. For more information on Innomed® Silver Ion Dressing Foam, refer to the Previous Articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; You Wholeheartedly. At longterm medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia