Foot Care for Diabetics


by Bill Schuchman - Date: 2006-12-02 - Word Count: 441 Share This!

If you have diabetes then you are at increased risk for serious foot complications. Elevated blood sugar levels causes impairment of blood circulation in the legs and feet. To heal an injury requires a higher then normal blood flow to the injured area. This increased blood flow in not always available to those with diabetes.

Without proper blood flow the injury can become infected and that infection can spread up the leg. Non-healing diabetic ulcerations are the major cause of leg, foot and toe amputations. The best preventive measure you can take is to take care of your feet to prevent injury to them. Listed below are guidelines to prevent foot injury and reduce the chances of complications from diabetes.

1. Follow your doctor's instructions and take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood glucose within a good range.

2. Inspect the insides of your shoes daily for foreign objects that could cut or irritate your feet.

3. Don't wear sandals with thongs.

4. Check your feet everyday. Look for cuts, blisters or swelling. If required see you doctor to address anything found.

5. Wash your feet every day in warm water; be sure to dry between your toes.

6. Keep your skin soft by rubbing a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet but don't put any lotion between the toes.

7. Try to change to a different pair of shoes each day of the week.

8. Gently smooth corns and calluses away or see your doctor to have them removed before they turn into something more serious.

9. Be active every day. Keep moving this will help to keep the blood flowing.

10. Keeps the blood flowing to your feet by elevating your feet when you're sitting? You should also wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for several minutes three times each day.

11. Don't smoke.

12. A daily foot massage will help to keep the blood circulating.

13. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.

14. Protect you feet from the cold and hot.

15. Wear shoes and socks at all times to protect them from injury.

16. Trim your nails straight across.

17. Do not soak your feet in water unless instructed to do so by a doctor. This can cause macerated skin which can break down more easily.

18. Don't wear wet shoes. If your feet get wet in the rain change them as soon as you can and dry your feet.

19. Do not use any medications such as iodine or corn removal products unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

20. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury can develop into something more serious if not treated correctly.

These guidelines are essential for all diabetics to follow to prevent foot injury and potential consequences.


Related Tags: type 2 diabetes, diabetics, diabeties, diabetic foot care

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