Why is diabetic foot care important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body fails to make insulin or does not use it the way it should.

Diabetes can be dangerous to the feet because it causes severe nerve damage that can reduce adequate blood circulation to the feet.
In untreated and extreme cases, a foot amputation may be the last resort for diabetic patients.
If you have diabetes and wish to prevent this from happening to you, you must understand the importance of diabetic foot care management.

In this article, we will go through:

• Why is diabetic foot care critical?
• Signs of foot problems
• Do’s and don’ts of diabetic foot care
• Importance of toenail care
• Footwear tips for diabetic patients
• Final thoughts

Diabetic patients suffer from nerve damage and blood circulation problems, because of which they are prone to infections and other serious foot problems.
By taking all the necessary precautions, one can prevent severe consequences like a foot amputation.
Responsible foot care routine includes:

• • Regular medical examinations
  • Regular foot checkups with a podiatrist (Google: ‘Foot Clinic near me’)
  • Monitoring blood sugar levels daily
  • Regular exercise
  • Eating a balanced diet

It is essential to identify and diagnose early warning signs and symptoms of foot problems, like:

• loss of sensation to touch, heat, or cold
• burning or painful feet
• changes to the colour of your feet
• variations to the shape of your feet
• loss of hair on the feet, toes, and lower legs
• thickening of the toenails
• the appearance of ulcers, red spots, sores, blisters, ingrown toenails, or infected corns.

If you observe these early warning signs, contact Diabetic foot care management Bucks immediately. Any delays would result in critical consequences.

Dos:

Inspect your feet

• It is essential to regularly inspect your feet and toes, including the tops, sides, heels, and soles.
• If you cannot physically examine your feet, you can ask someone to do it for you or visit a foot clinic near me.
• If you observe any redness, sores, cuts, or bruises, contact Diabetic foot care management Bucks immediately.

Wash your feet

• Wash your feet regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Washing your feet with hot water and harsh soap can be damaging for your skin.
• It is also important to be gentle with your feet while cleaning them.
• Make sure to check the water temperature using your hands or elbows.
• Your diabetes can cause your legs to lose sensation, making it difficult to check the water temperature with your feet.

Dry your feet

• Keep your feet dry. Infections occur in moist areas, so make sure to pat your feet to dry them.
• Do not forget to dry the area between your toes as well.

Moisturise dry skin

• If the skin on your feet looks and feels dry, apply lotion or oils such as coconut oil.
• Do not use oil or cream between your toes as it may cause a fungal infection.

Cut nails carefully

• Podiatrists advise cutting your toenails straight across while filing the edges.
• It would be best not to cut your toenails too short because this could cause ingrown toenails.
• For further questions regarding your nails, feel free to contact Foot Care Beaconsfield.

Don’ts:

• Use antiseptic products as they tend to burn the skin. Avoid using them on your feet without your podiatrist’s approval.
• Never use a hot water bottle, electric blanket, or heating pad on your feet.
• Avoid walking barefoot even inside the home because it can cause injuries that can later become infected, so diabetic patients should wear socks to avoid injuries.
• Safeguard your feet from extreme heat and cold.
• Do not remove warts, corns, or calluses on your own.
• Never use razor blades, chemical wart removers, or callus removers. Book an appointment with Foot Care Beaconsfield.
• Don’t stand in one position for a long time.
• Don’t sit with your legs crossed or cross your ankles.

• Routine toenail care is also essential for those with diabetes due to nerve and blood circulation problems in the feet. Not taking proper care of your toenail can be unsafe.
• Proper toenail care can help you avoid getting a foot sore or an ulcer.

The following are a few tips that will help you take care of your toenails:

• Wash your feet before trimming your toenails because this will make your nails soft.
• Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
• Avoid cutting into the corners. Just file the edges to make them smooth.
• Do not cut toenails too short.
• Have your toenails trimmed by a podiatrist if your nails are thick, yellow or if you have a toe infection.

• Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes.
• Buy shoes made from breathable materials like leather, suede, or canvas.
• Avoid wearing flip-flops, thong sandals, high heels, or open-toe shoes.
• Wear shoes that can have laces or Velcro for adjustment.
• Inspect the inside of your shoes regularly for tears that may cause irritation or shoe bite.

If you take good care of your feet, then many foot problems are avoided. Report any cuts, corns, sores, infections, calluses, bruises, or foot pain to your podiatrist.

Remember that foot-related problems can quickly worsen if they remain untreated, especially if you have diabetes, so it is essential to seek medical attention right away.
Diabetic patients should get their feet checked at least once a year by a podiatrist to detect problems as soon as they arrive. All you have to do is search “Foot Clinic near me,” and schedule your appointment.

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