Diabetic Foot Care
Foot care for a diabetic patient is a significant factor that prevents serious complications. If you have diabetes, it’s more likely that you can develop foot problems because diabetes can damage the nerves and lessen blood circulation. It is essential to understand that poor foot care may lead to amputation of a leg or foot.
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
1. Make it a daily habit to wash and dry your feet
Using mild soap and warm water, wash your feet daily. Do not rub onto the skin and only pat dry your feet. If your feet are dehydrated, apply lotion to prevent cracking. Remember not to apply cream between your toes.
2. Check your feet every day
Make it a daily routine to check your feet thoroughly. Look carefully around your foot, and do not leave any area behind. If you are unable to see your feet thoroughly, have someone else do it for you. Here is what you should look for:
- Dry, cracked skin.
- Any sores, blisters, cuts, and scratches.
- Look out for increased warmth, tenderness, or redness on any area in your feet.
- Check your nails and watch out for ingrown toenails.
- Corns and calluses.
If you see any blisters or sore, never pop it. Apply a bandage on it and wear a different pair of shoes.
3. Take good care of your toenails
It is recommended only to cut your toenails after bathing, as it makes them soft and easy to cut. Trim your toenails straight across, later on file them smoothly. You should avoid cutting the corners of your toenails. If you are having trouble cutting your toenails, have a podiatrist do it. Never cut the cuticles.
4. Be careful when working out or exercising
Walk, jog, or run in comfortable shoes. It is essential to know that you should avoid exercising and working out if you have open sores on your feet.
5. Always protect your feet with socks and shoes
Diabetes patients should never go barefoot since the feet’s circulation is already compromised. Always wear shoes, slippers, or any footwear. Also, keep in mind that cold and moisture can affect your feet, so wear appropriate shoes.
Do not wear shoes that are too tight and also avoid the kind of shoes that leave the toes or heels uncovered like sandals; they leave you susceptible to injuries and infection.
6. Change your socks daily
Only wear natural fiber socks, like cotton, wool, or a blend of both. Also, avoid wearing tight stockings.
7. Wear special shoes if recommended by a specialist
In some cases, special diabetic shoes are suggested by the doctor to ensure complete foot care.
8. Don’t wait to treat even minor foot problems.
If you come across a callus, corn, or any other problem, you should see your podiatrist treat it. Never self-treat them.
- When checking water temperature, use your elbow, not your feet.
- Don’t use any heating pads on your feet.
- Don’t cross your legs.
How to Care for A Diabetic Foot Wound?
If you had an injury on your diabetic foot somehow, and proper medical care was not given, then it could lead to severe complications leading to amputation. If you have a wound on your foot, it is advisable to take extra rigorous care and be very vigilant about it. After your checkup with the podiatrist, you must follow his instructions so that the wound can heal properly.
How to Take Care of Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
In order to manage diabetic foot ulcers, the following measures are recommended:
- Offloading pressure from the wound by utilizing appropriate footwear.
- Daily saline dressing of the wound.
- If it is necessary, debridement of the injury.
- If osteomyelitis or cellulitis is present, then antibiotic therapy.
- The strict control of blood glucose.
If you have diabetes, it’s not the end of the world for you; in today’s age, many modern techniques can help you live a healthy life, given you are careful and closely watch your blood glucose levels.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of the best podiatrists in NJ and NY.
FAQ’S
What Are the Signs of Diabetic Feet?
The most common symptoms associated with diabetic feet include:
- Inflammation of legs or feet.
- Slight to moderate modifications in skin color.
- A tingling or burning sensation in the feet.
- A feeling of numbness in the feet or toes.
- Cracked toes.
Why Is Foot Care So Important for Diabetics?
- As a diabetic patient, you must pay special attention to your foot condition because increased blood sugar can cause severe nerve damage.
- It would help if you wash your feet daily to avoid blister formation.
Why Can't Diabetics Soak Their Feet?
- The majority of diabetic patients usually struggle with issues involving damaged nerves of the foot.
- Such patients are not recommended to soak their feet in a water bath as it may worsen the condition resulting from poor blood circulation.
Do Podiatrists Treat Diabetic Feet?
- In case if you are a diabetic patient, pay special attention to your feet and make sure there is no sore or callus formation.
- Your podiatrist may help you in the prevention of the surgical removal or amputation of the foot.
