Foot care is a critical issue for people with diabetes.
The disease damages blood vessels, and that damage means blood can’t get to diabetics’ feet and lower legs. Impeded blood flow means the tissue becomes damaged and more vulnerable to infections, neuropathy and other injuries that can lead to amputations.
Diabetes is the leading cause of amputations that aren’t related to trauma and other injuries.
The American Diabetes Association recommends diabetics get their feet examined by a doctor ““ either their primary care physician or a podiatrist ““ at least annually.
Here are their tips for proper foot care:
- Keep your diabetes under control. Follow your diet, take your medications and lose weight if possible. The more tightly managed your diabetes is, the healthier your feet ““ and you ““ will be.
- Talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if: You have cuts or sores on your feet; you have an ingrown toenail; you have pain, numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in your feet or lower legs. As impaired circulation makes it more difficult for cuts and other injuries to heal, let a doctor trim or remove calluses, cuts and abrasions and other problem areas.
- Check your feet daily for cuts, scrapes, blisters, red spots, swelling and other problems. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help you.
- Get active. Physical activity, even if it’s just a walk around the block or even the yard, helps increase circulation and can help you manage your weight and keep your blood sugar at a healthier level.
- Get the right shoes. Medicare might help pay for special shoes designed for people with diabetes. Ask your doctor if you qualify.
- Wash and dry your feet carefully every day. Make sure to dry between your toes.
- Keep your skin soft and smooth. Use lotion daily on the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- Trim your toenails when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
- Protect your feet from cuts, scrapes and bumps. Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
- Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Diabetes can damage nerves in your feet, which makes it hard to sense when their hot or cold. Don’t put your feet into hot water. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
- Keep those toes in motion to keep the blood circulation. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times a day. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time. Don’t smoke.
