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The importance of good foot care for the diabetics
Diabetes care is in large part selfcare. You are the one in charge of checking your blood glucose levels, taking your pills or insulin at the right times and in the correct amounts, eating a healthful diet, and exercising. Another essential element of your daily diabetes routine should be foot care.
Why worry about feet?
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems for a number of reasons. For example, many people who have had diabetes for years have circulation problems. When they injure their feet, healing is slowed because adequate amounts of blood do not get to the injury site. Cuts and abrasions can also get infected more easily, and immune system responses may be weaker than usual. As a result, foot infections can quickly rage out of control.
To compound the problem, some people with diabetes lose feeling in their feet because of
diabetic nerve disease. They can injure their feet and never know it. Small wounds that are not felt can develop into much bigger ones. Wounds that do not heal can then develop into ulcers; if ulcers cannot be healed, amputation may become necessary. Even common foot problems, such as bunions, are more serious in people with diabetes. A bunion can easily turn into a corn or a foot ulcer.
Diabetic nerve disease can also affect the nerves to the muscles in the legs and feet. These muscles can then weaken, leading to hammertoes, bunions, and other foot deformities.
Checking your feet
Foot problems are a leading reason people with diabetes enter into hospital. Major foot problems usually start as tiny ones. If you catch problems early, you can take steps to keep them from getting worse.
When checking for problems, look at both the top and bottom of each foot, as well as between toes. A mirror can help you see every part of your foot. Or you may wish to enlist the aid of a relative or friend. Run your hand over the tops and bottoms of your feet, as well.
Watch for blister, cuts, redness, hard skin, breaks in the skin, scratches, hot spots, cold spots, anything that looks or feels “wrong”. Some problems, such as cuts, blisters, ingrown toe nails, or changes in your foot’s shape or color, should be reported to the doctor right away.
Treating your feet well
To reduce your chance of cutting or burning yourself or developing a corn, crack, or callus --
l Wash your feet every day in
warm -- NOT HOT! -- water.
l Trim toenails straight across with nail clippers after washing and drying your feet. Then smooth the nails with an emery board. If you have trouble cutting your toenails because they are thick or you cannot see well, have foot doctor cut them.
l Treat corns ans calluses gently. If the doctor says it is okay, gently smooth them with a pumice stone. Never use liquid corn and callus removers or corn plasters. Do not cut them with a razor blade.
l If you get a wart, do not treat it yourself. Go to the doctor.
l Always wear shoes and socks, even inside. Keep slippers by your bed in case you get up at night.
l Before putting on your shoes, feel inside. Make sure there are no paperclips, coins, or pebbles that could hurt your feet.
l Choose padded socks. Look for ones with no seams or smooth, flat seams. Socks meant for people with diabetes or for walking are good choices. If necessary, buy new shoes so that your padded socks will fit inside.
l Throw away worn socks or ones that have lost their cushioning.
l Do not use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet.
l Shop for shoes in the evening, because feet are largest then. Wear your thickest padded socks when you try on shoes so that you can be sure the socks fit in the shoes. Feel inside the shoes to make sure they do not have wrinkles or rough seams. Never buy a shoe hoping it will stretch; it should fit and be comfortable from the start.
l For exercise, choose athletic shoes that fit well (have a trained clerk fit you) and that provide good support.
l For everyday wear, choose flat shoes. If possible, they should lace up, be made of leather, and have round toes.
l Do not buy shoes that have high heels or pointed toes (which put pressure on your toes) or that are made of vinyl or plastic (because they do not breathe or adjust to your foot).
l Break shoes in slowly. Start by wearing them only an hour the first day, and then check your feet for irritation.
l If your doctor prescribes special shoes or inserts, wear them every day. They cannot protect your feet if they are in the closet.
To reduce your chances of getting a foot infection --
l Do not put skin lotion or cream between your toes.
l Put on a clean pair of socks every day.
l After a bath or shower, dry your feet well, including the areas between your toes.
To encourage good blood flow in your feet --
l Prop up your feet when sitting.
l Do not keep your legs crossed for a long time.
l Do not smoke.
l Do not wear garters, tight socks, or elastic bands on your legs.
l Take walks.
Source: Diabetic Forecast