Diabetes Foot Care

For people living with diabetes, foot care is so important. Daily foot care helps to prevent serious complications.

 

Diabetes and Nerve Damage in Feet

People living with diabetes may have nerve damage that can take away the feeling in their feet. Blood flow to the feet may also be reduced, leading to slower healing from injuries and weaker resistance to potential infections.*

Nerve damage in the feet can have serious consequences. For instance, if there is a foreign object in your shoe, you might not be able to feel it. This could lead to blisters that can easily turn into an infection, which might require amputation in extreme cases.

For these reasons, diabetes can be dangerous to your feet. Even a small cut can cause significant complications.

To avoid serious foot problems, follow the guidelines below for regular diabetes foot care.

 

Diabetes Foot Care for Healthy Feet

 

Inspect your feet daily:

Use a hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet every day and check for any cuts, blisters, or signs of redness/swelling. Call your doctor if you notice anything like this.

 

Avoid smoking:

Smoking restricts blood flow to your feet, increasing danger. If you are a smoker, seek help to quit from your country’s smoking cessation and health organizations.

 

Moisturize your feet regularly:

Moisturizing will help to prevent itching, scratching or cracked skin. Do not apply moisturizer between your toes because this creates a risk of developing fungal infections.

 

Get periodic foot exams:

Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.

 

Maintain good foot hygiene:

Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.

Consider socks made specifically for people living with diabetes. These socks have extra padding, do not have irritating elastic tops, are longer than ankle-length for protection, and are made from fibers that keep moisture away from the skin.

Use foot anti-perspirant if you have excessive sweating of the feet.

Keep your feet clean by gently washing them daily with lukewarm rather than hot water. The water should be a similar temperature to that you would use on a newborn child. It might help to use a soft washcloth. Dry by patting gently and carefully between the toes.

Cut nails carefully by trimming straight across and filing the edges. Avoid cutting your nails too short.

 

Keep your feet warm and dry:

If your feet get cold at night, wear socks to bed and make sure to keep your feet warm. However, never put your feet near heaters or use heated bottles.

Keep your feet dry in snow/rain. Wear protective socks and shoes in winter.

 

Protection from injury:

Shake out your shoes and check the insides visually and with your hand before wearing them. Your shoes could contain foreign objects that you might not feel with your feet. This can lead to injuries or infections.

Never walk barefoot, even if you are at home. This will reduce your risk of stepping on something and getting cuts.

Never treat corns or calluses at home. Visit your doctor for the treatment required.

 

 

Socks In Our D-Shop for Diabetes Foot Care!

Speaking of taking care of your feet, did you know that socks are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria growth?⠀

That’s why we love Silver-Pro socks. Silver-Pro socks are woven with pure silver threads and premium organic cotton giving incredible comfort, and no odor even if used for days! Check them out at our D-Shop.

Also, check out our incredibly soft bamboo socks that are kind both to your feet and the environment.

 

 

*Source:

American Diabetes Association, 2004. Preventive foot care in diabetes.