Diabetes should not be an impediment to leading an active life; on the contrary, regular physical exercise is a tool that helps improve quality of life. These are some of its benefits:
- It improves diabetes control.
- It prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- It helps combat obesity.
- It improves muscular elasticity, strength, and agility.
- It increases bone strength, as well as improving flexibility in joints and cartilage.
- It provides mental and emotional health due to the progress achieved.
Before embarking on a new physical activity, it is fundamental to consult health professionals to evaluate whether adjustments are required in the diet, in the medication schedule, or if more frequent monitoring is necessary.
It is crucial to start any new sport gradually to allow the body to adapt to the new physical demands and thus reduce the risk of injury. It is essential to be informed about the possible pathologies that can arise when practicing a specific sport. In this article, we will focus on the most common foot problems, which can increase the risk of injuries and infections.
Subungual hematoma: this is a bruise on the nail, under which blood accumulates, with the resulting pressure causing pain. It occurs due to a strong impact such as someone stepping on the foot in sports like football, basketball, or rugby, as well as from a heavy object falling onto the nail, such as a weight in the gym. It can also be caused by microtrauma, which are small but repeated impacts over a short period of time, such as those experienced when walking or running long distances, especially if the footwear is not well-fitted and presses against the front of the toes. To prevent it, it is important not to practice the aforementioned sports without footwear and to use sneakers that do not squeeze the toes or are excessively large, ensuring the correct size. If pain is experienced in the nails and a brown or black color is observed, it is crucial to consult a podiatrist so they can drain the blood and relieve the pain.
Ingrown toenails: this occurs when the nail pierces the skin, known as an “uñero.” The cause can be incorrect nail trimming or the use of narrow footwear in the toe area, and it can appear in any sport that requires the use of shoes. It is important to watch for signs such as redness and pain in the affected area. If these symptoms are present, it is crucial to see a podiatrist to prevent further injury and possible infections.
Chafing and blisters: these are common injuries that occur mainly during activities such as walking or running, due to repeated friction between the skin and the sock inside the footwear. It is important to stop as soon as pain or discomfort is noticed in the affected area. In the case of chafing, it is recommended to protect the area with a second-skin dressing to prevent further irritation. If a blister develops, it is crucial to seek healthcare to treat it properly and avoid possible infections. If the blister bursts on its own, it is important not to remove the skin covering it, as it acts as a natural protective barrier against infections.
Dermatological and nail infections, embedded foreign bodies: infections caused by fungal, viral, or bacterial agents on the skin and nails can be caused, in certain cases, by unprotected exposure of the feet in common areas. This risk increases in humid environments, such as pool areas. It is crucial to use appropriate footwear, such as water sandals, when moving to the pool and while using shower facilities. The presence of embedded objects in the sole of the foot is relatively more frequent in sporting activities practiced barefoot, such as yoga. Upon detecting an embedded object, it is advised not to attempt to extract it yourself, due to the risk of embedding the object further or creating a false perception of complete extraction, which can lead to a larger problem. It is therefore recommended to consult a health specialist in the presence of these problems. These pathologies can be identified by observing changes in skin and/or nail coloration, as well as the presence of itching or pain.
One of the most effective approaches for health management in people who practice sports is the application of preventive measures, such as self-examination. Instead of waiting for the appearance of painful symptoms or pathologies, it is better to act in advance to resolve them. It is effective to perform a skin examination, paying special attention to the interdigital spaces, to detect possible changes in coloration as mentioned previously.
Likewise, it is crucial to check for proper nail trimming, ensure complete drying of the feet after the activity, and maintain optimal care of footwear and socks, as detailed in our article: “One of the keys to diabetic foot hygiene: care of footwear and socks.”
In conclusion, performing physical exercise is essential to help control diabetes. However, to avoid possible foot complications caused by the footwear itself or external objects, it is necessary to apply preventive measures that avoid the development of serious complications. Therefore, from the iDiaFOOT Network, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of prevention in all areas for the patient with diabetes, with sports being one of them.
Diabetes should not be an impediment to leading an active life, as regular physical exercise is a tool that helps improve quality of life. However, a lack of knowledge regarding the most common foot problems can increase the risk of future injuries and infections caused by practicing a specific sport. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about it.
