Foot Care for Diabetes
Foot care for diabetes patients is all-important. This is because diabetes often damages the blood vessels that carry blood to the feet. That means, small cuts and grazes heal at a slower rate and can even lead to gangrene. In some cases, simple blisters have turned into major infections. These infections don’t heal and amputation of the foot or leg is the only answer. Diabetes can also numb the nerves in the feet. That means it’s easy not to notice wounds. You can keep on top of things if you follow these tips.
How Your Doctor Can Help with Foot Care
Take care of your diabetes by keeping your blood glucose in your target range. And make sure that your healthcare provider carries out a complete foot exam at least annually. If you have foot problems, you may want to do this more often.
Foot Care for Diabetes
- Always wear socks and shoes. Some socks are made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that keep moisture away from the skin.
- Remember that if you are barefoot, you may hurt your feet.
- Wear socks at night if your feet are cold, but don’t use a hot water bottle.
- Check your shoes before you put them on to make sure that there is nothing that the inner lining of your shoes is smooth
- Trim your toenails regularly.
- Examine your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
- Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- When your feet get tired, relax and put them up for a while. Flex your feet, wiggle your toes, and rotate your ankles for a few minutes, two to three times every day to keep the blood flowing.
- Do not smoke because smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.