DIABETIC FOOT CARE

DIABETIC FOOT CARE

·         Diabetes reduces the blood flow to the feet and also causes nerve damage.
·         It’s hard to notice a cut or blister if you can’t feel the pain or discomfort in your feet.
·         Delay in treating these minor injuries can lead to bigger problems, including amputation.

1. Check your feet daily
·         Check regularly for cuts, blisters, bruises, redness and swelling, even between the toes.
·         Consult your doctor if you notice any kind of abnormality.

2. Wash your feet every day
·         Use warm water and a mild soap to cleanse your feet thoroughly.
·         Avoid soaking your feet for a long time, and dry them thoroughly.
·         Moisture between the toes is an invitation for fungal infections.

3. Wear comfortable shoes
·         Ensure that the shoe does not pinch or rub your skin.
·         Shoe bites and diabetes should stay miles away from each other.
·         Protect your feet from the elements by using covered shoes with clean socks.

4. Wear the right shoes
·         Stand on a piece of paper and trace the outline of your foot.
·         Next trace the outline of your shoe, and compare the two.
·         Ideally, the shoe should be as broad as your foot and should be half an inch longer.

5. Keep your toenails trimmed
·         Cut your nails straight.
·         Don’t try to round the edges or cut the sides, it may lead to ingrown toenails.
·         Avoid getting pedicure done with unsterilised instruments in beauty saloons.

6. Moisturise your feet
·         Keep your feet moisturised to avoid cracked heels.
·         But ensure that your feet are not damp or sticky afterwards.
·         Avoid moisturising the region between your toes.

7. Treating minor corns or calluses
·         If they get infected, even the smallest of corns or calluses can cause a lot of trouble.
·         Stay safe, and consult your doctor to get them treated.

8. Emergency situations for treatment
·         If your feet are cold or they hurt, or
·         If they have changed colour to a shade of black and blue.