How To Take Care Of Your Feet With Diabetes?

People with diabetes tend to suffer from foot problems. With diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing burns, calluses, blisters and foot ulcers. Furthermore, diabetes damages the nerves of your feet that may cause numbness. The blood flow to your feet may reduce, so an injury or wound may take longer to heal.

To prevent such foot-related problems you need to follow a proper regimen.

Foot care tips for diabetic patients

Take a closer look at your feet

You must inspect your feet from time to time to check for blisters, cuts or bruises. Check your toes, feet, heels, sides, soles, the area between the toes and the top of the feet. This is because nerve damage due to diabetes may numb your feet. As a result, you may not notice cracks or cuts in your feet. Untreated cuts or wounds may later become an infection that can cause gangrene.

• Clean your feet properly

Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Do not use very hot water or a harsh soap as it can damage the skin on your feet. Use your elbow to test the temperature of the water.

As diabetes may numb the senses on the feet, you may not be able to understand the temperature. Moreover, if you have a burn or infection, it may be worsened when exposed to hot water.

• Keep feet dry

The feet must be dried properly using a soft cloth. This is because infections may occur in wet or moist areas. If your skin is moist, it might break down and cause an infection. So use a soft towel to pat it. Remove any sweaty socks you might be wearing.

• Stop staying barefoot

Keep your feet protected when inside or outside by wearing shoes or slippers. This protects your feet from cuts, scrapes, or an accidental penetration from a needle or a piece of broken glass. Having diabetes may hinder the senses in your feet, and you may not be aware of an injury unless the cut deepens.

• Go easy on the exercises

While exercising, avoid activities such as jumping, bouncing and leaping that might put pressure on your feet. Instead, engage in activities like swimming and walking that are gentle to your feet.

• Visit a podiatrist frequently

You must see a podiatrist occasionally to treat foot problems. The doctor will examine a blister or a cut minutely, that will prevent serious infections in future. Try not to go for products prescribed by a local pharmacy, as these products may be harsh for your skin.

In addition to these, the best way to prevent foot problems is to keep the blood sugar under control. Therefore, follow the doctor’s instructions and take the prescribed medication. Along with this, you can buy orthotic footwear for protecting your feet.