Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

by: Arif Rahim
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When you have diabetes, it is essential to take proper care of your feet, and not doing so can lead to serious health issues, including the possibility of amputation as a result of poor circulation. It is important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. Diabetes can severely damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your fee, making someone with diabetes more vulnerable in developing foot problems. The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for problems with their feet. However, most serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented by properly caring for your feet.

Here are some helpful tips on how to care for your feet if you have diabetes:

Examine Feet Each Day
• Check the tops and bottoms of your feet
• Look for blisters, scratches, cuts, or other sores
• Check for dry, cracked skin
• Check for ingrown toenails, calluses, or corns
• Take note of increased warmth, as well as any redness, tenderness, or swelling
• Do not cut corns or calluses. Consult with your doctor to safely smooth any sores
• Do not pop blisters. Instead, apply a bandage to the area and change shoes
Wash and Dry Feet Daily
• Avoid harsh, heavily-fragranced soaps
• Use lukewarm water with a soft washcloth or sponge
• Refrain from rubbing your skin to dry. Instead, pat-dry thoroughly with a soft towel
• To avoid fungal infections and prevent itching or cracking after washing, moisturize with lotion on your feet, avoiding the areas between your toes

Take Care of Toenails

• After bathing, cut toenails when they are soft
• Cut toenails straight across, but maintain length to prevent ingrown toenails
• After trimming toenails, smooth with an emery board or nail file
• Avoid cutting into the corners of toes
Protect Feet with Socks and Shoes
• To avoid potential scratches and cuts, never go barefoot. Always protect your feet by wearing shoes or hard-soled footwear
• Make sure your shoes fit properly
• Avoid open-toed shoes and sandals. These shoes expose your feet and increase risks for injuries and potential infections
• Inspect shoes prior to wearing them, taking note of any foreign objects or rough areas
• Break new shoes in gradually and avoid wearing them for more than one hour at a time
• Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with pointed toes to prevent ulcer-causing pressure
• Wear clean, soft socks made of cotton, wool, or a cotton-wool blend
• Avoid socks with tight elastic bands since these constrict circulation
• Always keep your feet warm and dry, particularly in colder weather conditions
General Foot Care Tips
• Report foot injuries and infections to your health care provider immediately, even if they are minor
• Refrain from crossing your legs
• Check water temperature with your elbow rather than your foot
• Never use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet
• Refrain from smoking as this restricts blood flow in your feet

When to Visit Your Doctor

Diabetics should schedule an appointment at least once a year to have a thorough foot examination by a foot specialist. Additionally, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following problems with your feet:
• Blackening of skin
• Sores or wounds
• Athlete's foot
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Numbness or pain
• Calluses
• Redness
• Infection
• Bunions

Special Care for High-Risk Conditions

If you have any high-risk conditions, there are specific things you should do to keep your feet healthy.
• Promptly treat minor skin conditions such as dry skin or athlete's foot to keep them from progressing
• If you have increased pressure on the soles of your feet or neuropathy, wear well-cushioned walking shoes or athletic shoes
• If you have lost any sensation in your feet, be sure to carefully inspect them often to identify any problems early
• If you have calluses or corns, do not “self-treat.” Instead, consult a foot care specialist
• Get a complete foot examination every 3 to 6 months to prevent further problems

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Diabetic helping Diabetic's | Arif Rahim | CheapDiabetesMedicalSupply.com

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