Diabetic Foot Care Essentials for Healthy Feet
Diabetic Foot Care Essentials for Healthy Feet
- Janis Boudreau
Diabetic Foot Care Basics: Keeping Your Feet Healthy
Living with diabetes means you know all too well how important it is to take good care of your feet. With proper care and treatment, you can avoid many of the foot problems diabetes can cause. But where do you start? What’s the best way to keep your feet healthy when you have diabetes? This article will walk you through the diabetic foot care essentials so you can keep your feet happy and healthy. We’ll cover everything from daily foot inspections to proper hygiene and more. You’ll also learn when it’s time to see a foot care specialist for treatment. So read on to get the knowledge you need to keep your feet in tip-top shape!
Common Foot Problems for People With Diabetes
As a diabetic, your feet need extra special attention. It’s critical to inspect them daily and catch any problems early. Neglecting foot care is dangerous and can lead to infections, ulcers, and even amputation.
Wash and dry thoroughly.
Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them carefully, especially between your toes. Moisturize right away to keep skin soft and prevent cracking.
Check your feet every day.
Look for any changes in skin color or temperature, swelling, pain, cracks, blisters or ulcers. See your doctor right away for anything suspicious. Early treatment of foot problems is key.
Keep your nails trimmed.
Use nail clippers or nail nippers designed for diabetics to cut nails straight across. File away sharp edges. Never cut into the corners.
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
Well-fitting shoes that don’t rub or pinch can help prevent injury. Look for seamless socks and shoes made of natural, breathable materials like leather or canvas.
Control your blood sugar.
High blood sugar levels over time can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, making foot problems more likely. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medication, diet, and exercise to keep your diabetes well managed.
Diabetic foot care requires diligence, but with daily monitoring and the right prevention techniques you can avoid severe foot complications. Make foot care a priority in your diabetes management plan and commit to keeping your feet healthy for life. Your mobility and independence depend on it!
Creating a Diabetic Foot Care Routine
If you have diabetes, your feet need extra care and attention. High blood sugar can damage nerves in your feet, reducing sensation and making it easy to get wounds and injuries without realizing it. Diabetes also impairs circulation, slowing the healing of cuts and sores.
Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that causes loss of feeling in the feet. You may not feel heat, cold or pain as well. Neuropathy increases the risk of injuries that can lead to infection. Check your feet daily for any cuts, sores or wounds and see your doctor right away if you notice any problems.
Poor circulation
Diabetes can damage blood vessels, reducing circulation to the feet. Your feet may feel cold, and wounds or injuries are slow to heal. Exercise regularly to improve circulation, and keep feet elevated when sitting. Don’t wear tight socks or shoes that can cut off circulation.
Skin problems
Dry, cracked skin is common in diabetics and can lead to infection. Moisturize your feet daily, especially after bathing while they’re still damp, to keep skin soft and prevent cracking. Use a moisturizer that contains petroleum jelly, lanolin, cocoa butter or dimethicone. Avoid moisturizers between your toes, however, which can lead to infection.
Infections
Damage to nerves and circulation put you at high risk of foot infections. Even a small cut or sore can become infected, with the potential to become severe if left untreated. Inspect your feet daily for any signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus or foul odor and see your doctor right away if an infection develops. Early treatment of infections is critical to avoid complications.
With diligent foot care and by working closely with your doctor, you can avoid severe foot problems related to diabetes and keep your feet healthy for life. Be sure to schedule regular foot exams so your doctor can check for any issues and make sure your foot care plan is keeping your feet in great shape.
Finding Proper Footwear for Diabetic Feet
As a diabetic, your feet require special attention and care. Establishing a consistent foot care routine is one of the best ways to keep your feet healthy and avoid complications. You should aim to inspect your feet daily and address any issues right away.
Daily Inspection
After bathing or showering, thoroughly dry your feet and inspect them for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or other changes. Check between your toes as well. Even minor breaks in the skin can lead to infection if left untreated. If you notice any problems, see your podiatrist. It’s best to get them checked out, rather than trying to treat them yourself.
Keep Feet Clean and Moisturized
Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and a mild soap. Dry them carefully, especially between your toes. Apply a moisturizer to your feet and legs, but not between your toes. Look for a cream containing hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax or cocoa butter. This will help keep your skin soft and prevent cracking.
Proper Footwear
Well-fitting, comfortable shoes are a must. Look for shoes made of natural, breathable materials that provide support and cushioning. Make sure they are not too tight, as this can lead to sores and ulcers. Never go barefoot, as this exposes your feet to injury. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to avoid irritation. Consider custom orthotics if needed for additional support or to relieve pressure points.
Regular Podiatrist Visits
See your podiatrist for routine foot care and exams. They can check for any issues, provide nail trimming, and advise you on proper foot care. Getting professional treatment right away for any foot problems is critical to avoiding complications. Your podiatrist is your partner in keeping your feet healthy and maintaining your mobility and independence.
With diligent daily care and by addressing any issues promptly, you can avoid many of the foot problems that often plague diabetics. Make foot care a priority and keep your feet happy and healthy for life.
Greenshield Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care: What's Covered
The right footwear is essential for diabetic foot health and preventing injuries. As a diabetic, you’ll want to find shoes that give your feet extra care and protection. Look for shoes designed specifically for diabetics, or those that provide maximum foot support.
Diabetic shoes
Diabetic shoes are specially designed for diabetics and help prevent skin breakdown and ulcers. They have extra depth and width for swollen feet, as well as special inserts that provide cushioning and support. The soles are also very flexible and have little friction to avoid blisters and calluses. Diabetic shoes may be covered under certain insurance plans, so check with your provider.
Other recommended options
If diabetic shoes aren’t in your budget, there are other good options. Look for shoes that are seamless or have seam-free linings, especially over pressure points. Shoes made of natural, breathable materials like leather are best. Avoid plastic or vinyl which don’t breathe. Velcro closures or lace-up shoes are good options as they can be adjusted for swelling. High heels, flip flops and bare feet should be avoided.
Other tips for healthy feet
In addition to proper footwear, inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness or swelling and see your podiatrist right away if you notice any problems. Exercise regularly to improve circulation, but avoid high-impact activities that could cause injury. Keep your toenails trimmed and file them straight across. Moisturize your feet daily, but avoid between the toes. Wear comfortable socks that wick away moisture and change them daily.
By following these recommendations, you can keep your diabetic feet healthy and avoid serious problems. Your feet deserve special care and the right footwear and daily routine can help ensure you stay active and mobile. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your feet or need help finding appropriate shoes. They can also recommend special inserts if needed for maximum protection and support
