Good foot care is especially important for people with diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to have poor circulation, nerve damage and other conditions that can put them at risk of serious foot problems. Taking good care of your feet can help prevent many problems from happening.
Diabetic foot care includes:
• Giving yourself regular foot inspections – check to make sure there are no cuts, sores, blisters or scratches on your feet
• Washing your feet every day in warm water
• Examining the spaces between your toes Check your feet carefully after exercising or taking part in any sports activity
• Not going barefoot ever – even inside the house! shoes or slippers are always recommended
• Moisturizing your feet regularly – use a moisturizer that is specifically designed for feet, not just any old lotion!
• Trimming your toenails carefully – cut them straight across and file the edges smooth with an emery board or nail file
• Wearing properly fitted shoes at all times – never buy shoes that feel tight or uncomfortable. Make sure you get shoes that have been professionally fitted by a pedorthist (a foot specialist)
• Avoiding extremes in temperature when bathing your very hot water can damage the skin on your feet, as can soaking for too long
• Not trying to treat any foot problems yourself – if you notice anything strange about your feet, contact a doctor or podiatrist (foot specialist) immediately.
If you follow these simple steps, you can help keep your feet healthy and avoid any serious problems in the future. Diabetic foot care is an important part of living with diabetes, so take the time to look after your feet properly!
What symptoms show with diabetic feet?
Common symptoms of diabetic foot problems include:
• Loss of sensation or feeling in the feet due to nerve damage
• Dry, cracked skin on the feet
• Sores or blisters that don’t heal properly
• Swelling of the feet and/or ankles
• Redness or discoloration of the skin on the feet.
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, contact your doctor for advice and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications from developing.
It is also important to remember that people with diabetes are at an increased risk for infection, so it is important to keep any cuts or scrapes clean and covered until they have healed completely.