Though hidden mostly behind shoes, your feet should receive care and attention. With diabetes, they will need extra care as you might begin to experience open sores, swelling, ‘pins and needle-like sensations and loss of sensitivity in your feet.
Diabetes often leads to circulation problems and nerve damage, especially in the legs and feet. And this can make you lose the sense of feeling in your feet. Thereby hindering you from feeling pain and other sensations in that part of your body.
It might sound great not to feel pain but think again because pain is a reminder that something is wrong. Not feeling any pain makes you unaware of cuts and other problems. And, of course, these problems might lead to something bigger. For instance, an infection, a cold, or a bad burn.
To manage these problems, here are some foot care tips to observe with diabetes:
Wash your feet daily
When you wake up in the morning, be sure to wash your feet with lukewarm water and soap. Avoid harsh soaps because they can damage your skin. Also, check the temperature of the water with a finger before use. This is because you may not feel the pain of extremely hot or cold water on your feet.
Dry your feet immediately after wash and moisturising
After washing, dry your feet with a towel. Ensure you dry all parts, especially between your toes. This is because infections quickly grow and settle in incredibly moist places. Not to forget moisturizing with a safe lotion to prevent dryness.
Always inspect your feet
Inspecting your feet daily helps you notice changes, cuts, bruises, blisters, and sores. Inspect the heels, the space between your toes, the soles, the sides, and the top of your feet. If you cannot do that alone, ask a family or friend to help you.
Never walk barefoot
If you have diabetes, do not walk around without shoes. Whether in your house or on a sandy beach, wear a shoe to prevent severe injuries and infections. Some injuries could need emergency care which may not be possible because you might not notice the injury early.
Wear dry and clean socks
There are socks specially designed for people living with diabetes. These socks are your best bet because they have extra cushioning and go higher up the ankles. These socks are also created with fibres that can suck moisture from the skin. Wearing socks can also protect your feet from the cold.
Quit smoking
If you need more reasons to quit smoking, it should be because of your feet. Smoking can restrict blood circulation to parts of your body, especially your feet.
Cut your nails with care
Whenever you want to cut your nails, do so with extra care. Do not cut them too short to prevent ingrown nails, and never treat those calluses yourself. If you need additional help, book an appointment with a doctor on Doctall.
To conclude, remember to shake and check your shoes before putting them on. This helps you notice foreign or dangerous objects and prevents injuries. If you have more questions about diabetes and the care of your feet, speak with a doctor.