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Foot Care When You Have Diabetes
By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj
For people with diabetes, practicing proper foot care is an important step towards successful diabetes
Dr Kumar Sukhraj
management. They need to have access to superior, cutting-edge care of their feet. This can help to reduce diabetic foot complications and improve the long-term health of the diabetic feet. Currently in Guyana there are many diabetic patients who develop complications with their feet. This can be seen in many health care facilities countrywide. Thus making foot care a part of your daily diabetes regimen is necessary to avoid serious complications such as neuropathy, vascular disease, and injury. When it comes to implementing a comprehensive foot care plan, a little effort goes a long way in preventing problems.
The following approach can be used when making foot care a priority in the life of a diabetic.
Tips for taking care of your feet:
1. Keep your blood sugar in your target range as much as possible, to prevent infection, speed healing and prevent further damage to blood vessels and nerves.
2. Wash your feet with mild soap and warm water every day. Dry the areas between toes and around nail beds to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
3. Inspect your feet carefully every day and check between the toes. Use a mirror if needed to detect any problems such as cuts, blisters, red spots, or swelling.
4. Cut toenails straight across and not too short. You should be able to see a small rim of white nail beyond the pink nail bed. Have a trained professional trim your nails if you cannot do it yourself to avoid ingrown toenails and to avoid cutting your toes.
5. Be more active and do activities like walking. Wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles for a few minutes several times a day to help blood flow to your feet.
6. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of feet daily. Do not apply lotion between the toes (you may apply powder between the toes if desired) to prevent skin from cracking. Try lotions like Uremol, Neutrogena, Lubriderm, or Keri. Moisture between the toes can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
7. Wear socks with loose fitting elastic. Avoid knee-high stockings. Change socks often if your feet sweat a lot. Tight elastics cut off circulation. Prevent fungal infections by keeping the area dry.
8. Check the insides of shoes daily before putting them on. Use your hand to check for cracks, sharp edges, and loose objects. Any objects or rough edge in your shoe can cause blisters or breaks in the skin.
9. Shop for shoes late in the day, when your feet are most swollen, and make sure they fit well to avoid injuries like corns and blisters. Take off both of your shoes at every doctor’s visit so your doctor or nurse should check both of your feet.
10. Contact your health care provider immediately when you find a problem like broken skin. Most foot problems are much easier to treat when they are treated right away.
Please feel free to send an email to [email protected] or call 622-8032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness.
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