Diabetes and its effects on your feet
Because diabetes can cause a variety of foot problems (Diabetic foot, Charcot foot, ulcers, supple bones, nerve damage, acute sensitivity, ulcers, poor circulation), it’s imperative that a diabetic take a preventative approach to foot care, not only to ensure the health of their feet, but their overall health as well.
Diabetic foot care tips:
Following these steps won’t stop all foot problems but in doing so it will help to catch any problems before they get to a point where a higher level of serious care becomes an absolute necessity.
- Call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your feet, no matter how minor.
- If your doctor hasn’t already prescribed them ask about special support socks.
- Check your feet daily for “hot spots”, infected nails, etc. Early detection and treatment can save you from problems down the road.
- Always keep your feet clean. Wash them with a mild soap and dry them well (especially between your toes) before putting on your socks and shoes to inhibit bacteria growth.
- Protect your feet from water that is too hot or too cold by checking it first with your elbow.
- Never soak your feet because soaking can dry out your skin.
- Trimming a diabetics nails should be done by following the natural curve of the toes. Cut toenails straight across and never cut into the corners; use an emery board or file on sharp corners. Do not try to remove corns and callus yourself – see a Podiatrist for this; NEVER use commercial corn cures – this is so important in those with diabetes as it is so easy to damage the skin.If you are unable to trim them yourself, have your foot specialist trim them for you.
- Wear clean socks every day and pull or roll them on gently. Make sure your socks are not too large or small and that there are no holes or bunched areas that could rub your foot wrong.
- Purchase the best best diabetic socks and compression hosiery brands for foot health by making sure that they have no seams to avoid unnecessary pressure in the toe area. Studies show that diabetics socks with toe seams apply 10 times more pressure in your toe area than seamless support socks made specifically for diabetics.
- Wear sturdy supportive shoes that fit well and give your toes room to move. Have your shoes fit by a diabetic shoe specialist. Shoes that aren’t comfortable in the store will rarely feel comfortable later. Look for shoes that have a low heel and thick soles to provide maximum protection against injury. Shop for your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. Make sure to wear socks when trying them on to ensure a good comfortable fit. Shoes that are too tight can cause blistering during the break in period. Break in new shoes slowly to avoid discomfort and abrasions.
- Before putting on your shoes, run your hand through the insides to remove rocks or sharp objects that may have fallen in them. If you feel rips or rough edges inside the shoe, it.s time for a new pair.
- Look after your health (loose weight; stop smoking; exercise; reduce your alcohol consumption).
- Avoid going barefoot, even in your own home (this lessens the chance of some accidental damage)
- Get periodic foot exams. Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
- Comfortable shoes and diabetic socks play an equally important role in the maintenance of the feet.
According to the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), a partnership among the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and over 200 organizations, including the American Podiatric Medical Association, comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%. A comprehensive foot care program would include:
- Early identification of the high risk diabetic foot
- Early diagnosis of foot problems
- Early intervention to prevent further deterioration that may lead to amputation
