If you have been diagnosed, you know how important it is to take care of your feet. Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet and damage the nerves in your extremities, which can increase your vulnerability to foot issues. You can keep your feet healthy by following these proven foot care tips.
Summertime is right around the corner, which means that it is almost time to pull out your favorite pair of flip flops and swimsuit. Before you don those flipflops, you need to think about how your diabetes affects your feet, and what you can do to keep your diabetic feet healthy throughout the summer by investing in Diabetic Shoes.
Because diabetes decreases the blood flow to your feet and causes nerve damage, you can be at a greater risk of suffering an injury or getting an infection in your feet. The American Diabetes Associations has estimated that one in five diabetics visit the hospital for foot issues and injuries. Even small foot injuries can turn into complications if they are not treated quickly. For example, if you have a blister or sore on your foot, it could quickly turn into an infection. Furthermore, if the infection is not dealt with quickly, you are at risk of losing your toe, your foot, and even your leg.
Here are some of the top tips to ensure your feet remain healthy all year long.
You should inspect your feet each day. Pay attention to any cuts, swelling, redness, soreness or blisters. If you are unable to see the soles of your feet, you can use a mirror or ask someone to look at the bottoms of your feet.
You should wash your feet daily. Dry your feet thoroughly and ensure the area between your toes are dry.
Exercising regularly can help to increase your blood flow. Staying active is one of the best ways to protect your feet.
If you cannot adequately see or reach your toenails, have a professional trim your toenails. Your toenails should be cut straight across and the edges filed. Avoid cutting your toenails too short.
When you are putting lotion on your feet, limit the amount of lotion used and avoid placing lotion between your toes.
Visit a podiatrist or foot care specialist annually for a foot exam.
Footwear
If you are diabetic, you should never walk barefoot.
Your shoes should protect your feet and fit well.
Diabetic shoes can help decrease the risk of foot complications.
Check your shoes before you put them on. Make sure that no objects are inside your shoe and the lining of your shoe is smooth and wrinkle-free.
Prevention
Avoid exposing the bottoms of your feet to extreme temperatures. Both hot and cold temperatures should be avoided.
Do not soak your feet in hot water. You want the temperature of the water to be approximately the temperature that you would use to bathe an infant.
Avoid electric blankets, hot water bottles and heating pads as these items can cause burns.
Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. When you are seated for long periods of times, move your feet and wiggle your toes to increase circulation. If you are prone to foot and ankle edema (swelling) elevate your feet when you are sitting.
Avoid cigarette smoking. Smoking can decrease circulation and increase the risk of complications.
If you develop calluses, ingrown nails, corns or other foot issues, seek out the assistance of a podiatrist or foot care specialist.
Keep your glucose levels within range and your A1C levels within the normal limits by monitoring your food consumption and taking your medications as directed.
Properly caring for your feet should be a part of your daily routine. Setting aside a few minutes each day to inspect your feet can prevent dangerous issues from occurring.