As a patient with diabetes, you do a lot to maintain your health – from checking your blood sugar to monitoring your diet. Are you also taking precautions when it comes to the health of your feet? Diabetes causes poor blood circulation and reduced kidney function, which means it is harder for your body to fight infections. Even if you have had diabetes for a long time, it is important you pay special attention to your feet.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Crucial
As your disease progresses, you may lose feeling in your feet. That loss of feeling may mean you do not notice blisters, sores or even cuts. The numbness and reduced blood flow can lead to other foot problems.
Foot care as a diabetic patient is crucial, especially if you already have foot issues, including:
- Pain, tingling or numbness in your feet
- Changes in the shape of your toes or feet
- Cuts, sores, ulcers or other lesions that have not healed
Not taking care of your feet could result in serious health issues, from permanent nerve damage to amputation.
How To Take Necessary Precautions With Your Feet
Implementing a foot care routine into your daily care regimen is simple. A few things you can do to maintain healthy feet include:
- Washing Your Feet Daily – Use warm, not hot, soapy water. Then, use a cornstarch or talcum powder to keep the skin between your toes dry.
- Check Your Feet – Before you wash, inspect your feet for any red spots, cuts, sores, or lesions. Look at the toenails and make sure they are not infected. Every night before going to bed, inspect your feet again.
- Use Cream – Lotions and creams can be used on the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep the skin hydrated and keep it from cracking.
- Trim Your Toenails Regularly – After your feet are washed, trim the toenails with nail clippers. Keep the toenail straight and smooth to prevent it from growing into the skin and forming an ingrown toenail.
- Promote Better Blood Flow – When sitting, put your feet up. Try to wiggle your toes two to three times a day for at least five minutes to promote better flow. Never wear tight socks, shoes or anything that constricts your feet or ankles.
Receive Proper Care At Our Foot Clinics In Toronto
If you have diabetes, it is important to schedule regular checkups with a foot doctor. Our team of specialists can do annual checkups and help you if you notice lesions and sores that do not heal. Our diabetic foot care experts understand your needs and requirements and we can come up with a foot care routine to keep your feet healthy.
Are you diabetic? There are a number of ways to care for your feet and alleviate pain. You need a chiropodist from Comfort Stride who can help you take care of your feet. Contact us today.
