Taking Care of Diabetic Feet.

It is essential to care for your feet when you have Diabetes, as you can then help yourself to avoid serious foot problems, such as infections which could lead to amputation.

People who have diabetes often have:

• Impaired feeling in their feet, caused by nerve damage and impaired circulation.
• Changes in the shape and colour of their feet; often they appear blotchy, or reddened in areas, and sometimes swollen.
• Foot ulcers or sores that are slow to heal.

It is often due to nerve damage that a person with diabetes may not feel a small stone in their shoe, or a rough darn in their sock, which could cause a cut of a sore. Ill fitting shoes can easily cause blisters. A person with 'normal' feet would usually feel this and do something about it, but the diabetic may not know anything was wrong until a problem had developed.

Keeping your blood sugar (glucose) levels in control can greatly help your condition. You should do this under the supervision of your GP or other health care professional.

There are many things you personally can do to  look after your feet:

Take care of your Diabetes!

Monitor your blood sugar (glucose) levels, to prevent of delay foot problems, as well as eye and kidney disease. Follow the advice of your doctor, nurse, dietitian, podiatrist or chiropodist.

Check your feet every day!

• You could have a serious foot problem and feel no pain from it. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, weeping and infections. Make this a part of your daily routine.   
• You may find a mirror helpful in looking underneath your foot, of another family member may help!
• See your doctor straight-away if you suspect a problem.

Wash your feet daily.

• Wash them in warm, not hot water, at 90° is safe. Use a thermometer of your elbow to check the temperature.
• Do not soak your feet for long periods, as the skin can become waterlogged and hard to dry.
• Dry them gently but well. Don't forget between the toes. Use a little talc, but don't plaster it on.

Don't attempt ANY D.I.Y. on your feet!

I don't recommend you try to remove your hard skin or callouses yourself, period. Get your Chiropodist or Podiatrist to do it. It's much the safer option. They are trained to do this. You are not.

Don't use medicated corn plasters/hard skin removal lotions EVER.
If you have a foot problem see your footcare professional.

Cut your toenails regularly.

Do this after you have washed and dried your feet, as the nails will be softer that way. Cut them straight  across and not down the sides. If you can't see your feet clearly or cannot cut your nails easily, seek professional assistance.

Wear shoes and socks all the time.

• Don't go around barefoot - even indoors. It's very easy to graze your foot of step on something that can puncture the skin. Often I see people with splinters, and dog hairs in their feet (dogs like boxers and poodles often have hard hair, which can easily go into the skin).
• Always wear socks, stockings or nylons to avoid friction when wearing your shoes.
• Wear cotton or wool socks; they keep your feet dry.
• Don't wear other peoples footwear, as their shoes are not normally your foot shape.
• Make sure that the linings of your footwear are smooth.
• Wear shoes that fit well. Don't buy a badly fitting pair and try to wear them in.

Try to ensure good blood circulation.

• Put your feet up whenever you can.
• Don't cross your legs for long periods.
• Don't wear tight footwear.
• Don't smoke. Spend the money on Chiropody instead.
• Ask your Doctor if you are getting enough exercise.

Be sure to ask your doctor to:

• Check your pulses at least once a year.
• Tell him/her if you think you have a problem.
• Refer you to a good Chiropodist or Podiatrist if needed.
• Decide if you need special shoes.

If you are careful to observe the above, this will greatly aid you in your foot health and your overall comfort. If you've any other helpful suggestions Email: Rob@drfeet.net 

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