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 turn serious and even be life-threatening.
Numbness in the feet and legs also adds to foot problems in diabetics, as they may not even know they're having a complication because they don't feel pain or sensations in their feet. Foot sores and injuries take a long time to heal in diabetics, so it's important to reduce or eliminate foot problems before they occur.
FOOT CARE TIPS:
See Your Diabetes Doctor Regularly - Your doctor will conduct a foot examination at your regular check-ups for nerve responsiveness, circulation problems, and foot ulcers or sores. Ask your doctor 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, tell your doctor straight away.
See A Podiatrist - Consider consulting a podiatrist (a foot specialist). Your diabetes doctor 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 carefully. Examine your feet every day, especially after any trauma or injury and contact your doctor at the first sign of anything untoward. Don't ignore the bottoms of your feet. If you have difficulty seeing them, consider buying a long-handled mirror specifically designed for inspecting your feet. Foot mirrors can be purchased from diabetic or medical supply stores.
Keep Your Nails Trimmed - Cut your nails straight across with safety clippers, not scissors. Don't cut them too short and with care smooth out any ragged edges with a nail file. If you have difficulty trimming your own nails, have your doctor or podiatrist do it for you. They are also usually more than willing to train a friend or family member to trim your nails.
Moisturize - Keep your feet hydrated and prevent dry skin and cracking with a good water-based diabetic foot cream. Don't moisturize between your toes.
Wear Socks - Special diabetic socks, available from diabetic and medical supply stores, are made of soft, comfortable cotton and allow for air circulation, moisture control, and don't have seams that may irritate your feet.
Wear Well-Fitting Shoes - Always wear shoes, slippers, or protective footwear to stop injury to your feet. try not to wear sandals and don't walk around barefoot. Wear sturdy, well-made, comfortable shoes that fit comfortably. Wear socks to reduce rubbing and blisters. Your podiatrist can adjust the fit of your shoes. Special shoes for diabetics are available from diabetic shoe stores or diabetic and medical supply stores.
Control Your Diabetes - Eating properly, taking your medicine, exercising, checking your blood sugar regularly, and keeping your doctor notified of any problems are the best ways to look after your feet when you have diabetes.
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