Foot Care

Foot Care

Foot/leg care is critical in diabetics, especially if there is nerve damage (neuropathy). You may not feel pain; hence there is a more likely hood of a foot injury. This, in turn, can lead to infection, sometimes settling in the bone (Osteomyelitis). People with diabetes are more likely to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD); the poor blood flow impairs antibiotics getting to the site of infection, poor healing, and ulcer formation. This can eventually lead to amputation of the foot or leg.

Your doctor will examine your feet at least once a year for signs of neuropathy, PAD, deformities, calluses, corns, ulcers, and signs of infection.

If you have bad neuropathy, PAD, deformities, calluses, or ulcers, I recommend seeing a foot doctor regularly.

How can you care for your feet?

• Prevent injuries by being extra careful
• Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support-you may need special diabetic shoes.
• Never walk barefoot
• Check your shoes before putting them on for protruding objects that may cause injury.
• Avoid sandals, pointed toes, high heels, and plastic shoes.
• Always wear socks before putting your shoes on (ideally Seamless Sock).
• Water for bathing or showering should not be too hot-This can burn the skin-If you have neuropathy, test the temperature with a thermometer-ideal temp 90- 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not soak your feet, as they can become dry and cracked, causing infection. Be sure to dry your feet well using a patting motion. Dry between your toes, and use powder to keep the skin between your toes dry.
• Apply lotion to your feet to keep them soft. Do not apply lotion between the toes, as this can cause the area to become too moist. Thick or hardened skin on the toes and bottom of the feet called corns or calluses can peel from skin rubbing against bony areas of the foot. If you have corns or calluses, it is important to talk with your doctor about removing that. Do not use corn plasters, corn, and callus removers or blades as these may lead to infections.
• Trim your toenails straight across once a week.
• Avoid using heating pads, hot water bottles, or campfires to warm your feet, and carefully check your feet during cold temperatures for frostbite.
• Keeping blood sugars under control can prevent or decrease nerve damage.

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