A good foot care routine is essential when you are living with diabetes. Diabetes can affect your foot health in a serious way.
Diabetes can affect the way our nerve endings work which means the feelings to your feet may be reduced. This means you may not feel if there is a stone or foreign object in your shoe, which could mean you develop a blister or wound / sore on your foot.
Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury, small cut, or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe. As a result, you could develop a blister or a sore. This means you can be more susceptible to infections. In severe circumstances non healing wounds can lead to amputation.
Here are some general guidelines to help keep your feet happy and healthy:
DIALY FEET CHECK UP – or as often as you can.
Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet if you cannot bend over, or get your partner to check. Call your doctor or diabetic nurse if you notice anything unusual.
Keep your feet warm and dry. Consider using an antiperspirant on the soles of your feet. This is helpful if you have excessive sweating of the feet.
KEEP YOUR FEET CLEAN.
Wash your feet daily. Use only lukewarm water—the temperature you would use on a new-born baby. Use this as an opportunity to have a foot soak once or twice a week.
GENTLE FEET = HAPPY FEET.
Wash your feet using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting and carefully dry between the toes.
MOISTURIZE.
Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. Clear any moisturizer form between your toes – leaving cream to soak on on its own could encourage a fungal infection.
CUT NAILS.
If you are able to cut your nails yourself, where possible cut them straight across and file the edges. Try not to cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails, and sore areas to your toes. If you have concerns about your nails, or are finding it difficult to cut them…..don’t worry…..don’t be embarrassed…..we all need help from time to time……get in touch with a local Foot Health Practitioner , Chiropodist, or Podiatrist. If you find it difficult getting out and about look for someone who works mobile and will visit you in your home.
SEEK HELP TO MANAGE CORNS AND CALLUSED SKIN.
Corns and hard skin are very common and nothing to be embarrassed about. REMEMBER your feet are high risk to developing infections.
Think carefully about using over the counter products as some may irritate your skin and make the problem worse. Get in touch with a local Foot Health Practitioner , Chiropodist, or Podiatrist, as they will be able to help you manage these so your feet will feel more comfortable. If you find it difficult getting out and about look for someone who works mobile and will visit you in your home.
SOCKS.
Change socks daily.
Consider socks made specifically for people living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that take moisture away from the skin.
If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. Try not to use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.
LOOK AFTER YOUR SHOES.
Wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive to your feet. Always check the inside of your shoes before putting them on. REMEMBER - your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object that could be inside, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
WALKING BAREFOOT
Try not to walk barefoot even at home. Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
LOOK AFTER YOUR DIABETES
Follow the recommendations form your diabetic team to help you keep your diabetes stable. Take medication as prescribed and contact your diabetic team if you notice any changes in how you are feeling. Attend your annual diabetic foot health check with your GP / Nurse.
LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH.
Keep an eye on your general health and wellbeing … east as healthily as you can…..reduce or stop smoking……do s much physical activity as you can…..have some pamper time….
Download these guidelines if you wish.
Chris Vickers. S.A.C.Dip.(RFHP).
CV Holistic Therapies. 2023. www.cvholistictherapies.com
Komentáře