If you have diabetes, proper foot care isn’t just a good idea – it’s absolutely essential. Over time, the elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause nerve damage and restricted blood flow, making your feet vulnerable to injuries, infections, and slow-healing sores. Implementing some basic daily foot care habits at home is one of the best ways to prevent serious complications that could lead to amputation.
Inspect Your Feet Daily
According to the experts at Commonwealth Foot and Ankle, getting into the routine of carefully examining your bare feet every single day is step number one for diabetic foot care. Use a hand mirror to check the tops, bottoms, sides, and spaces between your toes. You should look for:
- Cuts, scrapes, or cracks in the skin.
- Blisters, sores, or ulcers that aren’t healing.
- Redness, swelling or warmth.
- Corns, calluses, or warts.
- Dry, cracked heels.
- Ingrown, discolored, or thickened toenails.
If you notice any issues, make an appointment with your podiatrist promptly. Because of nerve damage, you may not feel cuts or sores.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections. Always wash your feet with mild soap and lukewarm water. Test the temperature first, as you may not feel if it’s too hot because of nerve damage. Dry carefully, especially between the toes, to eliminate dampness where fungi thrive.
Moisturize Well
Cracked, calloused skin on your feet raises your odds of developing foot ulcers, so daily moisturizing is crucial for diabetic foot care. Use an unscented, nutrient-rich cream or ointment and slather it over your entire foot, except for the areas between your toes.
Let the moisturizer fully absorb before putting on clean socks and shoes. Well-hydrated skin is more supple and less likely to crack and bleed.
Never Go Barefoot
Always wear shoes, slippers, or other protective footwear, even inside your home. You could easily stub a toe or step on a sharp object without feeling it. Invest in a comfortable pair of house shoes with good traction to wear indoors.
When selecting outdoor shoes, look for these diabetic foot care features:
- Roomy toe box to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Shoes made of breathable materials.
- Low heels and adequate arch support.
- Cushioned insoles to relieve pressure points.
- Avoid sandals or going barefoot.
Check Inside Before Putting On
Before sliding your feet into shoes, use your hands to feel inside for any pebbles, rough areas or protruding objects that could cause irritation, blisters, or sores. You may not be able to feel objects with your feet.
If you have corns or bunions, consider getting professionally fitted for depth shoes or custom orthotics to relieve pressure points.
Elevate Legs When Possible
Putting your feet up whenever you can help to improve circulation and prevents swelling, minimizing your risks. Prop your feet on a footstool, ottoman or stack of pillows while seated.
Before bedtime, lie down and elevate your legs above heart level for 30 minutes. This position lets gravity drain fluids and reduce pressure and swelling.
Don’t Smoke or Sit Cross-Legged
Both habits restrict circulation to your feet. Smoking speeds up hardening of the arteries and nerve damage. Crossing your legs for extended periods cuts off healthy blood flow.
See Your Podiatrist Regularly
Even if you do not have any current foot issues, those with diabetes should see a foot doctor every three months for a full evaluation, nail trimming, and management of any developing problems.
Conclusion
Diabetic foot care requires diligence, but the few minutes spent each day are well worth it to prevent complications like infections, ulcers, and potential amputation.