Diabetic foot Care
Persons with diabetes must learn to take special notice of even the most minor foot problems. In those diabetic individuals with poor circulation or loss of feeling in the feet, even trivial injuries may result in serious consequences.
The following suggestions will be helpful in preventing avoidable problems:
1. Do not smoke.
2. Wash feet daily with soap and water and dry carefully between the toes.
3. Do not take a bath or soak your feet until the temperature of the water has been tested. The water should be tepid. If you do not have good feeling in your hand, ask someone who is not a diabetic to test the water temperature for you.
4. Use moisturizing creams or ointments for dry skin. Prevent cracking of the skin.
5. Do not walk barefoot, especially around swimming pools and beaches. A slipper with a good sole is helpful in the house.
6. Wear shoes with a soft upper which fit properly. Do not depend on them to "stretch out". For some persons with diabetes, special footwear may be needed. Break new shoes in gradually.
7. Do not put your shoes on until you have inspected the inside for wrinkles, sharp nails coming through the sole, or other objects which create undue pressure on the skin.
8. Examine your feet when you remove your shoes for possible areas of irritation or injury. If your vision is poor have someone else examine your feet. What you see is often more important than what you feel!
9. Do not use electric heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet. If necessary, use loose warm bed socks instead.
10. Do not cut your corns and calluses, and do not use commercial corn and callus pads which are medicated.
11. Cut nails straight across. Ask your podiatrist if it is a good idea to cut your own nails.
12. Consult your podiatrist or family physician if you notice any redness, swelling, blistering, ingrown nails, corns, calluses, or other irregularities.
13. The American Diabetic Association recommends annual foot check-ups for all persons with diabetes. Your doctor can assess your risk for future problems and help you avoid them.
Remember, diabetic persons often have special problems with their feet. Reasonable measures and precautions to avoid foot injuries will help a great deal in minimizing the risk of avoidable complications.
The following suggestions will be helpful in preventing avoidable problems:
1. Do not smoke.
2. Wash feet daily with soap and water and dry carefully between the toes.
3. Do not take a bath or soak your feet until the temperature of the water has been tested. The water should be tepid. If you do not have good feeling in your hand, ask someone who is not a diabetic to test the water temperature for you.
4. Use moisturizing creams or ointments for dry skin. Prevent cracking of the skin.
5. Do not walk barefoot, especially around swimming pools and beaches. A slipper with a good sole is helpful in the house.
6. Wear shoes with a soft upper which fit properly. Do not depend on them to "stretch out". For some persons with diabetes, special footwear may be needed. Break new shoes in gradually.
7. Do not put your shoes on until you have inspected the inside for wrinkles, sharp nails coming through the sole, or other objects which create undue pressure on the skin.
8. Examine your feet when you remove your shoes for possible areas of irritation or injury. If your vision is poor have someone else examine your feet. What you see is often more important than what you feel!
9. Do not use electric heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet. If necessary, use loose warm bed socks instead.
10. Do not cut your corns and calluses, and do not use commercial corn and callus pads which are medicated.
11. Cut nails straight across. Ask your podiatrist if it is a good idea to cut your own nails.
12. Consult your podiatrist or family physician if you notice any redness, swelling, blistering, ingrown nails, corns, calluses, or other irregularities.
13. The American Diabetic Association recommends annual foot check-ups for all persons with diabetes. Your doctor can assess your risk for future problems and help you avoid them.
Remember, diabetic persons often have special problems with their feet. Reasonable measures and precautions to avoid foot injuries will help a great deal in minimizing the risk of avoidable complications.