Diabetes? You MUST take care of your feet

Posted On: September 28, 2015

Physician & Diabetologist doctor from shalby hospitals explains how to prevent amputation

Do you want to avoid serious foot problems that can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation? It is all about taking good care of your feet. If you have loss of feeling in your feet, changes in the shape of your feet and or foot ulcers or sores that do not heal, you must be extra careful. Best of all, following these simple instructions will help prevent such consequences.

In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [T2DM], which is commonly found in a middle-aged person, nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. You may not feel a small stone or even a blister in your shoes. Such small such as these can cause ulcers and even amputation. Keeping your blood sugar normal and taking care of your feet helps avoid cataserious foot problems.

Do the following

• Check Glycosylated Haemoglobin, Blood pressure Cholesterol
• Check blood glucose regularly
• Take your medicines prescribed
• Eat proper meals
• Do physical activity each day
• Stop smoking, Avoid Injuries
• Health Check once a year

Check feet daily

You may have serious foot problems but you may feel no pain. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling and infected toe nails. Fix a time [like evening] each day to check your feet. Use a mirror to view your sole, or ask a family member to to you.

Wash your feet in warm water;

do not soak your feet or your skin may get dry afterwards. Before bathing or showering test the water to make sure it is not too hot. Dry your feet well, dry well between your toes.Use talcum to keep the skin between your toes dry. Keep the skin soft and smooth Rub a thin coat of skin lotion, cream or petroleum jelly on the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not put lotion or cream between your toes.

Use Footwear

Wear shoes and socks if convenient and slippers indoors. Always wear socks with your shoes. Check the insides of your shoes, remove anything from your shoes if present. Wear well-fitting shoes.

Heat and Cold

Do not put hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet. Wear socks at night if your feet get cold. Check your feet in cold weather to prevent frostbite.

Corns and all

If your diabetes is controlled and you are healthy use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses. Do not use corn plasters or sharp objects to remove them. If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them regularly.

Keep blood flowing in feet

Put your feet up when sitting to prevent swelling. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for five minutes. Do not cross your legs for long periods, it may cause tingling and numbness. Do not smoke. It reduces blood circulation. Be active every day.

Get Your Feet Checked

Have your doctor or nurse check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury. Treat cuts, sores, blisters or bruises till they get well.

Proper Footwear

Proper footwear is very important for preventing serious foot problems. In diabetes, athletic or walking shoes are good for daily wear. They support your feet and allow them to breathe. Never wear vinyl or plastic shoes because they don’t stretch or breathe. When buying shoes, make sure they are comfortable from the start and have enough room for your toes. Don’t buy shoes with pointed toes or high heels. They put too much pressure on your toes and may lead to blisters or painful toes. Use shoe inserts for flat feet.