8 foot care tips diabetics must follow

Are you diabetic? Cut down your chances of foot injury and infection with these simple and effective foot care tips.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Updated: June 5, 2015 3:09 pm

People suffering from diabetes are more prone to foot problems as this disease reduces the flow of blood to your feet and can damage your nerves. Poor foot care in diabetics may lead to leg or foot amputation and also make you susceptible to various health complications. Hence, proper foot care is of prime importance when you suffer from diabetes. Read more about 10 ways to control diabetes naturally.

Here are eight tips diabetics should follow for proper foot care-

Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash and dry your feet daily to keep them clean and free from infection. Use mild soaps and warm water to wash your feet and pat them dry especially between your toes.

Apply skin lotion regularly: Rub a thin coat of skin lotion on your feet (over the top and bottom, not between toes) to prevent cracking and keep your skin smooth and soft.

Protect your feet from extreme heat and cold: When diabetics develop nerve damage, their sense of touch decreases. And use of extreme heat or cold water by such people can cause serious damage to their feet in the form of burns and blisters. Always check the temperature of water with your hands before bathing or cleaning your feet.

Check your feet daily: Keep checking your feet daily for any cuts, cracks, redness and swelling as they may make you susceptible for infection. In case of foot blisters or injuries that do not heal quickly, seek treatment from your doctor or podiatrist.

Trim your toenails with care: Cut and file your nails once a week or as needed with proper care. Always cut the nails to the shape when they are soft (usually after bathing). Avoid cutting cuticles and corners of toes. Get treated for hard skin and corns with a podiatrist (foot doctor).

Never walk barefoot: Avoid going out barefoot, especially in the garden, puttering around your house or beach as the chances of hurting your feet increases thereby increasing the risk of infection.

Wear clean and dry socks: Wear stockings or socks that are light padded, clean and made from natural-fiber to avoid sores and blisters. Avoid wearing tight socks and wear only clean, washed ones.

Buy shoes that fit properly: Always protect your feet with shoes that are well-fitted and comfortable. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, high-heels and those that expose your heels or toes as they increase your risk of potential infections.

References:

Diabetes Health Concerns – CDC

Foot Care – American Diabetes Association

Diabetes Foot Care – WebMD

Feet and diabetes – NHS

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Published: July 9, 2014 2:29 pm | Updated:June 5, 2015 3:09 pm

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