Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting the way the body processes blood glucose ( sugar), can result into a lot of complications if not well controlled. Blood flow to extremities is often not sufficient and this can result into gangrene ( dead tissue caused by insufficient blood flow or infection), springing from little cuts and bruises.
Proper Foot Care is therefore imperative especially in Diabetics.
Here are some tips for Good Foot Care In The Diabetic:
1. Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication.
2. Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap.
3. Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problems.
4. If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. If your skin however is too moist, apply a little alcohol to avoid a breeding environment for organisms.
5. Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft.
6. Check your toenails once a week. Trim your toenails with a nail clipper straight across.
7. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails.
8. Always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers outside. Do not walk barefoot, even around the house.
9. Always wear socks or stockings. Wear socks or stockings that fit your feet well and have soft elastic.
10. Wear shoes that fit well. Buy shoes made of canvas or leather and break them in slowly.
11. Visit your Podatrist at least once a year, or event of any noticeable foot problem.
Signs of Diabetes Foot
– Changes in skin color
– Changes in skin temperature
– Swelling in the foot or ankle
– Pain in the legs
– Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining
– Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus
Corns or calluses
– Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
– Foot odor that is unusual or won’t go away.
Though the feet are hardly noticeable, being down the body, they must not be neglected especially by the Diabetic.
Diabetes is not a death sentence. You can live optimally with the partnership of your Pharmacists and Other Health Providers.
