Diabetes – Why is foot care so important

Atty our podiatrist at The Mill Clinic explains why looking after your feet is so important when you have Diabetes, and provides tips on how to care for them.

Over time, diabetes can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. Diabetes also can lower the amount of blood flow in your feet. Numbness and less blood flow in the feet can lead to foot problems.

When you lose feeling in your feet you may not realise when you have cuts and sores and the reduced blood flow to the feet will significantly slow the healing process.

Foot care is very important for all people with diabetes, but even more so if you have:

• pain or loss of feeling in your feet (numbness, tingling)

• changes in the shape of your feet or toes

• sores, cuts, or ulcers on your feet that do not heal

If you take care of your feet every day, you can lower your chances of losing a toe, foot, or leg. Managing your blood sugar can also help keep your feet healthy.

It’s important to see your Diabetic nurse and Podiatrist regularly.

 1. Check your feet every day.

 

Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. You may have foot problems, but feel no pain in your feet.

Check your feet each evening when you take off your shoes.

If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a mirror to help.

2. Wash your feet every day.

Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will get dry.

3. Keep the skin soft and smooth.

Rub a thin coat of lotion, cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not put lotion or cream between your toes because this might cause an infection.

4. If you can see, reach, and feel your feet, trim your toenails regularly.

If you cannot see, reach or feel your feet or have thick yellowed or ingrowing toenails come and see me (Atty).

5. Wear shoes and socks or tights at all times.

Do not walk barefoot when indoors or outside. It is easy to step on something and hurt your feet. You may not feel any pain and not know that you hurt yourself.

Make sure you wear socks, or tights with your shoes to keep from getting blisters and sores. Choose clean, lightly padded socks that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best.

Check inside your shoes before you put them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in your shoes.

Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

6. Keep the blood flowing to your feet.

Put your feet up when you are sitting.

Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.

Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.

Do not wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands around your legs.

Be More Active!

If you have any questions or need an appointment call 01322 864499