People with diabetes should be aware of how to recognize and prevent the irreparable foot problems associated with this disease. Poor circulation and nerve damage add to foot damage that can quickly become serious and even be life-threatening.
Numbness in the feet and legs also contributes to foot problems in diabetics, as they may not even know they're having a complication because they don't feel discomfort or sensations in their feet. Foot sores and injuries take a long time to heal in diabetics, so it's important to reduce or prevent foot problems before they happen.
FOOT CARE TIPS:
See Your Diabetes Doctor Regularly - Your physician will conduct a foot examination at your regular check-ups for nerve responsiveness, circulation problems, and foot ulcers or sores. Ask your physician to show you how to check your feet at home and how to recognize the early signs of problems. If you're having any discomfort, pain, redness, sores, cracking, or numbness, let your doctor know straight away.
See A Podiatrist - Consider consulting a podiatrist (a foot specialist). Your diabetes physician will be able to refer you to a podiatrist who specializes in diabetic patients.
Clean and Examine Your Feet Daily - Wash your feet in warm, soapy water and dry them very well. Examine your feet every day, especially after any trauma or injury and contact your physician at the first sign of anything untoward. check the bottoms of your feet. If you have difficulty seeing them, consider buying a long-handled mirror specifically designed for examining your feet. Foot mirrors are available at diabetic or medical supply stores.
Keep Your Nails Trimmed - Trim your nails straight across with safety clippers, not scissors. Don't cut them too short and carefully smooth out any ragged edges with a nail file. If you have difficulty cutting your own nails, have your doctor or podiatrist do it for you. They are also usually happy to train a friend or family member to trim your nails.
Moisturize - Keep your feet moisturized and stop dry skin and cracking with a good water-based diabetic foot cream. Don't moisturize between your toes.
Wear Socks - Special diabetic socks, which can be bought from diabetic and medical supply stores, are made of soft, comfortable cotton and allow for air circulation, moisture control, and don't have rough seams that may irritate your feet.
Wear Well-Fitting Shoes - Always wear shoes, slippers, or protective footwear to reduce injury to your feet. try not to wear sandals and don't walk around barefoot. Wear sturdy, well-made, comfortable shoes that fit correctly. Wear socks to reduce rubbing and blisters. Your podiatrist can check the fit of your shoes. shoes specifically for diabetics are available from diabetic shoe stores or diabetic and medical supply stores.
Control Your Diabetes - Eating properly, taking your medication, exercising, checking your blood sugar regularly, and keeping your doctor informed of any problems are the best ways to care for your feet when you have diabetes.
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