Healthy feet are happy feet. As a diabetic, you need to take very good care of your feet. Too high blood sugar levels can easily do some damage not only to the blood vessels supplying your feet but the nerves as well. It could result in lower extremity problems like poor blood circulation, abnormal sensations (numbness), and nerve pain. All these problems can worsen wound infections and lesions which can ultimately lead to an amputation.
Here are some tips for proper diabetic foot care.
Inspect your feet every day.
It’s important that you check your feet every day, especially if you have had a foot ulcer in the past. If you notice any signs of abnormalities (skin color changes, wounds, infections, temperature changes, abnormal sensation), then you need to visit your doctor immediately.
Make sure you keep your skin dry.
Bacteria and fungus love wet and warm temperatures, so always keep your feet dry, especially the areas between your toes. Of note though, when patting your feet dry, don’t rub it too vigorously since it can cause superficial abrasions that can then lead to wounds and sores.
If your skin is too dry, you can apply some lotion on it. Dry skin can cause skin fissures.
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Trim your toenails carefully.
The best time to trim your toenails is after a bath when they’re soft and pliable. In trimming them though, make sure that you trim your toenails straight across. You don’t want them to dig into your skin when they begin growing again since this can cause ingrown toenails and irritate the skin.
Wear comfortable shoes and don’t go barefoot.
It would be wise if you invest in footwear that fits you properly. Make sure that your shoes aren’t too tight that they compress your feet or too loose that they rub against the sides of your feet when you walk. This can easily cause abrasions and sores.
Additionally, you should never go barefoot. You can easily step on sharp objects and cause small cuts and scrapes. This is especially important for diabetics who have neuropathy and loss of sensation.
Visit your podiatrist for regular foot checkups.
Regular foot checkups with your podiatrist are also very important. If you notice a sore or a wound on your feet, visit your podiatrist instead of treating yourself with over-the-counter medications.
Exercise regularly.
You need to improve your feet’s blood circulation, and the best way to do this is by exercising regularly. Not only can regular exercise promote vasodilation, but it can also help lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Diabetics who don’t exercise proper foot care are more prone to diabetic foot ulcers. These tips can help you take good care of your feet and prevent wounds and ulcers from developing.
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Foot ulcers in the diabetic patient, prevention and treatment. URL Link. Accessed: August 3, 2017.[/expand]
