Diabetic
foot
care
(Foot
care
for
diabetics)
|
Information
People
with
diabetes
are
prone
to
foot
problems
because
complications
of
the
disease
can
cause
damage
to
the
blood
vessels
and
nerves.
This,
in
turn,
may
result
in
a
decreased
ability
to
sense
trauma
or
pressure
on
the
foot
and
a
foot
injury
may
go
unnoticed
until
severe
infection
develops.
Diabetes
also
alters
the
immune
system,
thus
decreasing
the
body's
ability
to
fight
infection.
Small
infections
can
rapidly
progress
to
death
of
the
skin
and
other
tissues
(necrosis),
which
may
require
amputation
of
the
affected
limb
to
save
the
patient's
life.
Foot
problems
can
be
prevented
in
part
with
improved
blood
sugar
control.
Diabetics
at
high
risk
for
developing
foot
problems
include
those
with
diabetes
for
more
than
10
years,
males,
those
with
poor
glucose
control,
those
with
eye,
kidney,
heart
complications.
All
diabetics
should
get
regular
(at
least
twice
yearly)
foot
exams
by
their
health
care
provider
and
should
learn
whether
they
have
nerve
damage.
To
prevent
injury
to
the
feet,
diabetics
at
high
risk
for
foot
problems,
those
with
known
nerve
damage,
and
those
with
current
foot
problems
should
adopt
a
DAILY
routine
of
checking
and
caring
for
the
feet
as
follows:
- Check
the
feet
every
day.
Inspect
the
top,
sides,
soles,
heels,
and
between
the
toes.
- Wash
the
feet
every
day
with
lukewarm
water
and
mild
soap,
and
dry
them
thoroughly,
especially
between
the
toes.
Strong
soaps
may
damage
the
skin.
- Test
the
temperature
of
the
water
before
immersing
the
feet,
because
the
normal
ability
to
sense
hot
temperature
is
usually
impaired
in
diabetics
and
burns
can
easily
occur.
Also,
be
sure
to
gently
and
thoroughly
dry
the
feet,
particularly
between
the
toes,
because
diabetics
are
at
high
risk
for
developing
infections,
especially
in
moist
areas.
- Avoid
applying
a
heating
pad
or
hot
water
bottle
to
the
feet.
Avoid
hot
pavement
or
hot
sandy
beaches.
- Wear
socks
to
bed
if
your
feet
are
cold.
In
cold
weather,
wear
warm
socks
and
limit
your
exposure
to
the
cold
to
prevent
frostbite.
- Apply
a
thin
coat
of
lubricating
oil
or
lotion
after
bathing
the
feet.
Because
of
the
skin
changes
associated
with
diabetes,
the
feet
may
become
very
dry
and
may
crack,
potentially
causing
an
infection.
Soften
dry
skin
with
lotion,
petroleum
jelly,
lanolin,
or
oil.
Do
not
put
lotion
between
your
toes.
- Protect
the
feet
with
comfortable,
well-fitting
shoes.
Never
buy
shoes
that
do
not
fit
properly,
expecting
the
shoes
to
stretch
with
time.
Neuropathy
may
prevent
you
from
being
able
to
sense
pressure
from
improperly
fitting
shoes.
Also,
check
the
inside
of
your
shoes
for
rough
areas
or
torn
pieces
that
can
cause
irritation.
Change
your
shoes
after
5
hours
of
wearing
during
the
day
to
alternate
pressure
points.
Avoid
wearing
thong
sandals
or
stockings
with
seams
that
can
cause
pressure
points.
- Wear
clean
dry
socks
or
non-binding
panty
hose
every
day.
Socks
may
provide
an
additional
layer
of
protection
between
the
shoe
and
your
foot.
- Wear
shoes
at
all
times
to
protect
the
feet
from
injury.
Decreased
vision
and
impaired
ability
to
detect
pain
may
cause
minor
cuts
or
bumps
to
go
unnoticed.
- Exercise
daily
to
promote
good
circulation.
Avoid
sitting
with
legs
crossed
or
standing
in
one
position
for
prolonged
periods
of
time.
- Ask
your
health
care
provider
to
show
you
how
to
care
for
your
toenails.
Soak
your
feet
in
lukewarm
water
to
soften
the
nail
before
trimming.
Cut
the
nail
straight
across,
since
curved
nails
are
more
likely
to
become
ingrown.
- Make
an
appointment
with
a
podiatrist
to
treat
foot
problems
or
to
have
corns
or
calluses
removed.
Never
attempt
to
treat
these
yourself
using
over-the-counter
treatments.
- Avoid
using
antiseptic
solutions
on
your
feet
since
these
are
very
caustic
and
can
cause
skin
injury.
- Remove
shoes
and
socks
during
a
visit
to
the
health
care
provider
as
a
reminder
that
you
need
a
foot
exam.
- Discontinue
smoking
because
it
decreases
blood
flow
to
the
feet.
- Report
sores,
changes
and/or
signs
of
infection
immediately.
Report
all
blisters,
bruises,
cuts,
sores
or
areas
of
redness.
Foot
care
should
be
a
part
of
the
diabetic
person's
daily
routine.
Lack
of
sensation
in
the
feet
necessitates
even
closer
daily
observation.
Obesity
may
prevent
the
person
from
being
physically
able
to
view
their
feet
so
family
member,
neighbor,
or
a
visiting
nurse
may
need
to
perform
this
important
monitoring.
Recommendation
Full
Length
dual
density
supports
Silicone
Full
Length
Inserts
Silicone
Gel
3/4
length
inserts
Casual
Support
Orthotics
w/
full
1/8"
Pad,
Suede
Cover
Casual
Orthotics
1/8"
Pad
&
Suede
Cover
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
This
site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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