According to Joslin Clinic's Dr. Richard A. Jackson, one in four people with diabetes will develop foot complications. That means that making foot care a part of your daily diabetes regimen is essential for avoiding serious complications such as neuropathy, vascular disease, and injury. When it comes to implementing a comprehensive foot care plan, a little effort goes a long way in preventing problems.
Inspect. Check your feet two times a day, ideally in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Look for anything out of the ordinary, such as areas of redness, blisters, or cuts. If you discover a wound, treat it and cover it with a bandage immediately. Pay close attention to the wound during subsequent foot inspections to be certain it is healing properly.
Protect. Washing your feet every day with mild soap in tepid—not hot—water is your first line of defense against problems with your feet. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a lotion made for people with diabetes, or one that your doctor has approved. Moisturizing your feet will protect against the creation of fissures in the skin, which can serve as a breeding ground for infection.
Prevent. Elevated blood glucose (blood sugars) puts people with diabetes at risk for neuropathy, or nerve damage, which can cause loss of sensation in the feet, leading to other serious complications. Good control will help you prevent these complications. You can also reduce or even prevent the risk of injury to your feet by selecting comfortable footwear.
Consult. If you are very physically active or if you have other foot problems, it is important to find a doctor to examine your feet on a regular basis to avoid any complications that may arise. All other patients with diabetes must have a foot exam at least once a year, according to Dr. Jackson.
Source : joslin.org/info/4_tips_for_foot_care_when_you_have_diabetes.html
Foot Care Tips
Special foot care is necessary when you have diabetes. Poor blood flow, nerve damage, and trouble fighting infections can make foot problems very serious. You can help prevent major foot problems by a daily routine of foot care:
Check your feet daily
Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet. Use a mirror if necessary, or have a family member check for you.
Look for cuts, scratches, cracks, calluses, or blisters.
Look for changes in color, shape, or temperature.
Call your doctor if you notice injuries or other changes. Your doctor may tell you to see a foot doctor. A foot doctor is called a podiatrist (po-DYE-uh-trist).
Wash your feet daily
Use mild soap and lukewarm water (90 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Do not soak your feet. (Soaking may cause dryness.)
Dry your feet well, especially between your toes.
Use foot powder if your feet sweat.
Take care of your toenails
Cut your toenails after bathing, while they are soft.
Cut toenails straight across, not into corners. Then smooth your nails with an emery board.
Do not cut your own toenails if you have a hard time seeing or your nails are too thick. Have a podiatrist trim them.
Source : upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/diabetes/Pages/diabetes-health-care-tips.aspx
Inspect. Check your feet two times a day, ideally in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Look for anything out of the ordinary, such as areas of redness, blisters, or cuts. If you discover a wound, treat it and cover it with a bandage immediately. Pay close attention to the wound during subsequent foot inspections to be certain it is healing properly.
Protect. Washing your feet every day with mild soap in tepid—not hot—water is your first line of defense against problems with your feet. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a lotion made for people with diabetes, or one that your doctor has approved. Moisturizing your feet will protect against the creation of fissures in the skin, which can serve as a breeding ground for infection.
Prevent. Elevated blood glucose (blood sugars) puts people with diabetes at risk for neuropathy, or nerve damage, which can cause loss of sensation in the feet, leading to other serious complications. Good control will help you prevent these complications. You can also reduce or even prevent the risk of injury to your feet by selecting comfortable footwear.
Consult. If you are very physically active or if you have other foot problems, it is important to find a doctor to examine your feet on a regular basis to avoid any complications that may arise. All other patients with diabetes must have a foot exam at least once a year, according to Dr. Jackson.
Source : joslin.org/info/4_tips_for_foot_care_when_you_have_diabetes.html
Foot Care Tips
Special foot care is necessary when you have diabetes. Poor blood flow, nerve damage, and trouble fighting infections can make foot problems very serious. You can help prevent major foot problems by a daily routine of foot care:
Check your feet daily
Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet. Use a mirror if necessary, or have a family member check for you.
Look for cuts, scratches, cracks, calluses, or blisters.
Look for changes in color, shape, or temperature.
Call your doctor if you notice injuries or other changes. Your doctor may tell you to see a foot doctor. A foot doctor is called a podiatrist (po-DYE-uh-trist).
Wash your feet daily
Use mild soap and lukewarm water (90 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Do not soak your feet. (Soaking may cause dryness.)
Dry your feet well, especially between your toes.
Use foot powder if your feet sweat.
Take care of your toenails
Cut your toenails after bathing, while they are soft.
Cut toenails straight across, not into corners. Then smooth your nails with an emery board.
Do not cut your own toenails if you have a hard time seeing or your nails are too thick. Have a podiatrist trim them.
Source : upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/diabetes/Pages/diabetes-health-care-tips.aspx
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