Living with diabetes involves a lot of tasks: monitoring blood sugar, preparing nutritious meals, incorporating physical activity, managing medications, and attending doctor’s appointments. With all these responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook your feet. However, giving them daily attention is one of the best ways to prevent foot complications. In this blog post, we’ll explore why foot care is crucial for individuals with diabetes and offer practical tips to keep your feet in tip-top shape.
Understanding the Risks
Individuals managing diabetes may experience a variety of foot-related issues, and even seemingly ordinary problems can escalate. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, is a common precursor to many of these complications. Neuropathy can manifest as tingling, pain (characterized by burning or stinging sensations), or weakness in the foot. This can lead to a loss of sensation, making it possible to sustain injuries without immediate awareness. Additionally, poor circulation slows down the healing process, which increases the risk of serious complications.
Daily Foot Care Routine
Inspect Your Feet Daily: Perform a visual inspection of your feet, checking for cuts, blisters, swelling, or redness. If reaching your feet is a challenge, use a mirror or ask a family member for assistance.
Wash and Dry Properly: Keep your feet clean, but make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture can create an environment where infections thrive.
Moisturize, but Not Between Toes: Apply a mild moisturizer to prevent your skin from cracking but avoid applying it between your toes. Excess moisture in this area can lead to fungal infections.
Trim Toenails Carefully: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting into the corners to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty cutting your nails, seek professional help.
Choose Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes that provide proper support and do not cause friction or pressure points. Ensure they fit well to prevent blisters and calluses.
Seek Professional Care
Regular Podiatric Checkups: Schedule regular visits to a podiatrist who can monitor your foot health, address any concerns, and provide guidance on proper care.
Don’t Ignore Problems: If you notice any issues, such as persistent pain, sores that won’t heal, or changes in skin color, consult with a healthcare professional promptly.
If you need help with proper foot care and treatment, contact CCMH’s Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at 580-357-3280 and/or the MMG Podiatry Clinic at 580-357-3671.
When managing diabetes, foot care should never be underestimated. By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure that your feet continue to support you on your path to health and well-being.
Resources:
https://www2.diabetes.org/healthy-living/seniors/foot-care-tips
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html
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