Foot care is an essential part of overall diabetes care
Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes. A simple feet problem can lead to losing a limb if feet are not looked after. We know that the outcome is very poor if people with diabetes develop foot ulcers or have an amputation. The good news is that all these problems can be prevented with good foot care. Your care provider will be looking after your feet. However, it is crucial to undertake steps to provide good foot self-care. Foot care for people with diabetes can be broken down to following:
General non-foot care:
- Keep blood glucose within the target.
- Quit smoking.
Direct foot care:
- Feet should be checked every day.
- Feet should be cleaned regularly and moisturized as per your healthcare professional advice.
- It is essential to make sure not to walk barefoot.
- It is important to make sure that feet are not directly exposed to heat.
- Care should be taken to trim toenail. If toenail could not be seen or reached easily, then it is better not to trim the nails yourself.
- Avoid using razors or corn and verruca remedies.
Getting your shoe and socks right
- It is important to get the right size of the shoe. Footwear should provide complete protection. Slippers and sandals do not offer full protection. Therefore, if there is a problem with reduced sensation, then slippers and sandals should not be worn for a long time.
- Examine you shoes before wearing for any sharp objects or any irregularities.
- Change your socks changed regularly. Socks should not be very tight.
Working with healthcare professional
- Healthcare professional should examine your feet once a year.
- Contact your healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of pins and needle, burning sensation, and stabbing pain.
- Seek help immediately if blisters or cuts are not healing.
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