Diabetes
and your Feet
You need to be cautious with your
feet when you have Diabetes, a small cut could have serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage or possibly reduce
blood flow to the feet. The combination of pathology mentioned above makes the Diabetic foot a high risk foot. Taking
care of your feet should be a priority when you have Diabetes. There are certain steps you should take to avoid having problems
with your feet and certain products they may help you do so. We have listed some for your review.
There
are certain guidelines you should follow to help keep your feet healthy and we have listed these tips for you below:
Inspect
your feet daily.
Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water.
Be gentle when
bathing your feet. Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting—and make sure to
carefully dry between the toes.
Moisturize your feet—but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer
daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But DON'T moisturize between the toes—this could encourage a fungal
infection.
Cut nails carefully—and straight across. Also, file the edges.
Never
trim calluses. —let your doctor do the job.
Wear clean, dry socks.
Avoid
the wrong type of socks. Avoid tight elastic bands (they reduce circulation). Don’t wear thick or bulky socks
(they can fit poorly and irritate the skin).
Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear
socks. NEVER use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Shake out your shoes and inspect the inside before wearing.
Remember, you may not feel a pebble—so always shake out your shoes before putting them on.
Keep
your feet warm and dry. Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
Never
walk barefoot. Not even at home! You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
Take care of
your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Don't smoke. Smoking restricts
blood flow in your feet.
Get periodic foot exams. See your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis
for an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
If it is time for a yearly diabetic foot check
up visit Dr. Henne or Dr. McGowan at the Center for Ankle & Foot Care.
Our practice serves patients with diabetic
foot problems or wound management living in Clermont, Groveland, Winter Garden, Four Corners area, Tavares, Eustis, Leesburg,
Umatilla, Fruitland Park and many more.
