Diabetes Foot Care

Putting your best foot forward

You certainly have to be on your toes when you are diabetic and the following article will help you keep those tootsies happy and healthy.

Diabetes can hit you from head to toe. It certainly has no mercy and that means that you have to be both vigilant and aggressive in maintaining your health.

Blood Glucose levels over time do damage too many different areas in the body. Your nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet are prime targets. With Diabetes being an autoimmune disorder your body’s ability in fighting off infections can decrease over time. Knowing this early recognition of problems with your feet, knowing the signs, can take you along way in preventing very damaging consequences.

Nerve damage in the feet is caused from a mechanical breakdown of the soft tissue. What happens is that eventually there is an inability to recognize pain. The normal protective sensation allows for feeling of trauma, infection and swelling. Without this sensation, you are at risk for not seeking timely medical treatment for cuts, burns and blisters. These are slower to heal with diabetics due to diabetes related circulatory problems. With this any minor foot conditions can become worse then an infection could result.

Neuropathy is any and all disease or malfunction of the nerves. It can lead to problematic issues of the feet such as hammer toes and bunions. Keeping this in mind it is important for you to have regular examinations and tests to help diagnose inadequate blood flow in the feet and hands.
The feet of a diabetic is a breeding ground for a number of infections and complications, such as Epidermophytosis, Dermatophytes, Fungal Infections, Bone infection and bacterial soft tissue infection.

Let’s take care of Business

Here is a list of things that you can do to for the prevention of problems and protection of your feet. Not to be alarming but it’s important to know that the leading cause of amputation of feet and legs is due to diabetes. Take the following recommendations seriously and always consult your Physician, Nurse Educator and Diabetic team for one to one instruction and care tips.

• Wash your feet every day in warm water.
• Avoid using hot water as it dries out your skin
• Do not use moisturizer between your toes. It can lead to growth of bacteria and fungal infections.
• When washing your feet, do a thorough inspection.
• Keep your eyes open for red spots, swelling and blisters.
• If you have any corns or calluses, do not cut them, use corn or callus remover or drug store remedies. See your doctor for treatment
• If you have a minor cut or scrape in the skin or feet, keep the area around it dry and clean, checking wounds several times a day to ensure that it is healing.
• When using a bandage, remove it carefully so as not to cause further injury to the skin around the wound.
• Never soak the feet, apply hot water bottles or a heating pad to them.
• Avoid walking barefoot and wearing shoes with open toes.
• Do not wear mended socks or wear stockings with seams.
• Buy natural fiber socks. They breathe and provide extra cushioning and comfort
• Make sure that your shoes fit properly! Buy natural materials and break them in for a short time each day to avoid blisters.
• Keep your feet elevated whenever possible and don’t cross your legs. It’s important to keep the circulation moving.
• Stop smoking.

Do your best to follow these tips. If you
You notice any of the following, see your doctor;

• An injury that is not healing
• The presence of cold feet
• Any redness, numbing, burning or tingling.
• If you start to develop pain or cramping in your legs and feet.