Foot Care Guidelines for Diabetics: 10 Tips
Diabetes can be particularly dangerous to your feet, so much so that even a tiny cut can result in serious consequences. The disease can damage the nerves that take away the feeling in your feet and restrict blood flow to the feet. This makes it more difficult to resist infection or heal an injury. Because November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, in today’s post, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle, are outlining proper foot care tips for those who have diabetes.
Because of the problems mentioned above, you may not know when you have a foreign object in your shoe, which could result in a sore or a blister. This could lead to a nonhealing wound or an infection or put you in danger of amputation.
To prevent serious foot issues that could result in losing a foot, leg, or toe, follow these guidelines:
Examine your feet daily. Check for redness, swelling, blisters, nail problems, or cuts. Use a mirror to view the bottom of your feet and contact your podiatrist if you notice anything that seems irregular.
Wash feet in lukewarm water. Cleanse your feet by washing them daily using lukewarm water with a sponge or soft washcloth. To dry, blot carefully between the toes.
Apply moisturizer to your feet daily. Apply moisturizing cream daily, but don’t apply it between the toes to avoid a fungal infection.
Trim nails straight across and file the around edges. Don’t cut the nails too short, to avoid ingrown toenails. If you have concerns about your toenails, consult your podiatrist.
Wear dry, clean socks, and change them daily. Try to wear socks that are made exclusively for diabetics that have additional cushioning, no elastic tops, are made from fibers that keep feet dry, and go above the ankle. Wear socks to bed if your feet get cold.
Shake out your shoes before putting them on. Because your feet may not be able to detect a foreign object due to your diabetes, you should always examine your shoes before you put them on.
Never walk barefoot, not even while inside. Always wear slippers or shoes to avoid stepping on something that could cut or scratch your feet.
Monitor your diabetes. It’s important that you keep your blood sugar levels at the proper levels.
Don’t smoke. Smoking impedes blood flow in your feet, so if you smoke, try to quit.
See your podiatrist for periodic foot exams. Regular visits with your podiatrist can help avoid the complications of diabetes.
For more tips on taking care of your feet if you suffer from diabetes, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle today at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.