Proper foot care for Diabetics

Diabetes isn’t an easy disease to live with. Ask someone who has had to have a limb amputated due to complications stemming from diabetic neuropathy (loss of feeling or burning pain from diabetic induced nerve damage). Diabetes is one of the leading cause factors for amputations.

Due to increasing obesity in developed countries, the incidence of diabetes is also increasing. Currently, it’s estimated one in every 15 people in the world has diabetes with over 15.7 million in the United States.

Proper foot care is one of the most important regimes for diabetics. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body leading to loss of feeling in extremities. Once the skin is broken, from improper nail care, dry skin, improper shoe fit, it can develop into ulcers, which are serious deep sores that can become infected and lead to hospitalization and amputation.
These are tips for good foot health care for diabetics:

Prevention

• Your health care provider should perform a complete foot exam at least annually - more often if you have foot problems.
• Remember to take off your socks and shoes while you wait for your physical examination.
• Call or see your health care provider if you have cuts or breaks in the skin, or have an ingrown nail. Also, tell your health care provider if your foot changes color, shape, or just feels different (for example, becomes less sensitive or hurts).
• If you have corns or calluses, your health care provider can trim them for you. Your health care provider can also trim your toenails if you cannot do so safely.
• Because people with diabetes are more prone to foot problems, a foot care specialist may be on your health care team.

How can I avoid problems with my feet?

• Keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Also, follow your doctor’s advice on diet, exercise and medicine. Here are some other ways to protect your feet:
• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap.
• Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and pat gently; don’t rub.
• Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying Immune Perféct Cream to the foot and ankle. If the skin is cracked, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
• Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Call your doctor at the very first sign of redness, swelling, pain that doesn’t go away, or numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
• Don’t treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your doctor first.
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. It might help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them.
• Don’t let your feet get too hot or too cold.
• Don’t go barefoot.

Warning Signs of Foot Complications

• Changes in skin color
• Elevation in skin temperature
• Swelling of the foot or ankle
• Pain in the legs
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
• Ingrown and fungal toenails
• Bleeding corns or calluses
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
• If you experience any of these conditions, contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist right away. They should be properly managed in order to avoid complications.