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- “Save the Diabetic Foot”
Research shows that diabetes often causes problems with feet and legs, and these problems can be severe. In 2014 alone, more than 70,000 people with diabetes had a leg or foot amputated. According to CDC Research, people with diabetes were eight times as likely to lose a leg or foot to amputation as people without diabetes.
Now you may think, “How diabetes trouble your feet?” The answer is: Diabetes reduces blood flow to certain areas of the body, especially the legs and feet, which makes it harder for your body to heal injuries. Numbness and less blood flow in the feet can lead to foot problems.
Proper foot care is important for all people with diabetes, but even more if you’ve the following warning signs:
- Pain or loss of feeling in your feet (numbness, tingling)
- Changes in the shape of your feet or toes
- Sores, cuts, or ulcers on your feet that do not heal
- Your toenails may turn thick and yellow
Taking care of your feet regularly will greatly reduce the chance of losing a toe, foot, or leg. Managing your blood sugar level is the MUST to lower the chances of serious foot complications and help to keep your feet healthy.
Foot Care Tips – Get Started Now To Take Care of your Feet!
Inspect Your Feet Regularly:
Check your feet at least 2-3 times a day, ideally in the early morning, evening and at night before you go to bed. Look for cuts, blisters, red spots, or swelling. With routine checking, you can be sure that your feet are in good condition. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or seek help from your family members if you’ve trouble in seeing.
Wash Your Feet Regularly:
Wash your feet using lukewarm water; don’t use hot or cold water. Remember to pat dry gently between all of your toes. Use talcum powder or cornstarch to keep the skin between your toes dry to prevent infection. Avoid soaking too long in water, since waterlogged sores have a harder time healing.
Keep Your Skin Soft and Smooth:
Use moisturizing soaps and lotions to keep your skin soft and smooth. But don't put lotion between toes; because moisture there can cause fungus growth. Using mild soaps and petroleum jellies helps to prevent cracking and drying of your feet.
Cut your toenails each week or when needed:
Cut toenails straight across and don't trim them too short. Use an emery board to smooth corners of toenails or ingrown nails.
Don't Go Barefoot - Wear Shoes And Socks At All Times:
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Even the slightest rubbing or misfit shoe can cause a blister that turns into a sore that becomes infected and never heals. So before putting on the new shoes, check your shoes for sharp edges or other objects that could hurt your feet. New shoes should be worn one to two hours a day for the first few weeks.
Maintaining Diabetic Diet:
A healthy diet can help you prevent, control, and even reverse diabetes. You can include diabetic friendly recipes, protein –rich vegetables, Oatmeal, grits, hominy, or cream of wheat rice, pasta, and tortillas in your daily menu.
Check with your Doctor:
Consult your doctor frequently to check your bare feet and find out whether you’re prone to have serious foot complications. Don’t forget your doctor’s advice about foot care.
Take Care Of Your Feet For a Lifetime!
Foot problems can be avoided if you take care of your feet and act quickly if you have a problem. The above diabetic foot care tips are easy, but one has to follow them regularly to get maximum benefit.
