When you have diabetes, it is necessary to undergo diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes, you will develop small cuts in your feet.
It is necessary that you should undergo diabetic foot care, as such condition can take away the feeling from your feet. It is seen that diabetic foot will not only make harder to heal the injury, but also will reduce the blood flow to the feet.
You will not notice any presence of foreign objects in the shoes. You will be developing sore or blisters, once you have developed diabetic foot. While you will be need to undergo diabetic foot care, you will be safe from amputation.
Best Diabetic Foot Care Treatment
There is best diabetic foot care treatment that will help you to overcome several problems. While the podiatrists will provide clinical treatment, they will also advice you to take some home measures for diabetic feet.
Dry and Wash Your Feet Daily
When it comes to diabetic foot care, you will need to keep your feet clean and not soak them for a long time. It is necessary to use warm water and mild soap. While you should not rub your feet, you should pat your skin.
When you are looking to treatment of diabetic feet, you will need to ask, “where can I get a “podiatrist near me.” It is seen that most podiatrists will advice use of petroleum jelly so that you can prevent crack on feet.
It is seen that podiatrist near me will advice you to dry your skin, once the weather is cold. You will need to sprinkle non- medicated powder, before you put your shoes and socks.
Check Your Feet Every Day
It is necessary that you should check your feet daily. If you cannot see them, you will need to use a mirror to do it. It is advised by podiatrist near me to set a specific time for checking your feet. You need to check for cracked and dry skin.
You should also look for scratches, blisters, scrapes at your heels, and toes, which is advised by podiatrist near me. You should also look for the fungus and other things that can also result due to diabetic foot.
Take Care of Your Toenails
It is advised by “podiatrists near me” that you should take care of your toenails. When they are soft, you need to cut them after bathing. While you need to smooth them , you need to
Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. Don’t let the corners of your toenails grow into the skin. This could lead to an ingrown toenail.
You may want a nail technician or podiatrist (foot doctor) to do it for you. If you get pedicures at a nail salon, bring your own nail tools.
Don’t cut cuticles. Don’t use anything sharp to clean under your toenails or to remove calluses. You don’t want to accidentally get a cut that could let an infection set in. You can use a pumice stone to gently smooth your heels after taking a shower or bath. Don’t rub too harshly.
Be Careful When Exercising
Exercise regularly to keep your blood flow healthy. Aim to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day.
Walk and work out in comfortable shoes. Don’t exercise when you have open sores on your feet. Ask your doctor what type of activity is best for you.
Protect Your Feet With Shoes and Socks
Never go barefoot or only in socks. You don’t want to step on rocks, tacks, or small pieces of glass that could cut your feet. Always protect your feet with shoes, hard-soled slippers, or similar footwear. Wear shoes/boots that will protect your feet from weather conditions like cold and moisture. Wear slippers at home.
Don’t wear shoes with high heels and pointed toes. Avoid shoes that leave your toes or heels unprotected, like open-toed shoes, flip-flops, or sandals. They leave you vulnerable for injury and infetions.
Change your socks daily. Wear natural-fibers: cotton, wool, or a cotton-wool blend. Don’t use socks with seams that might rub against your skin and cause blisters. Avoid tight socks.
Try on new footwear with the type of socks you usually wear. Don’t wear new shoes for more than an hour at a time.
Look and feel inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there’s nothing irritating in them or rough areas.
Wear special shoes if your doctor recommends them. Replace your shoes when they show signs of wear, such as heels that are worn down on one side or lining that is torn.
Make Sure Your Shoes Fit
Are your shoes too narrow? Is your foot crammed into the shoe? If you have neuropathy (nerve damage), you may not notice that your shoes are too tight.
Use this simple test to check:
- Stand on a piece of paper in bare feet. (Make sure you’re standing and not sitting. Your foot changes shape.)
- Trace the outline of your foot.
- Put your shoe on and stand on another piece of paper.
- Trace the outline of your shoe.
- Compare the tracings.
- The shoe should be at least 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe and as wide as your foot. It’s best to shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are usually at their largest.
- Good Shoe Choices
- Shoes that are too tight or too loose may lead to blisters. People with diabetes should wear shoes that have:
- Closed toes and heels
- An outer sole made of stiff material
- Leather uppers without a seam inside, canvas, or suede. Look for a cushioned sole to absorb pressure. Pick shoes with laces over loafers, because they provide better support.
- Insides that are soft with no rough areas
- Have at least two pairs of shoes so you can switch pairs.
- Break in new shoes slowly. Wear them for about an hour a day the first few days.
- Diabetic Socks
- Well-fitting, quality shoes are necessary, but you also might want to think about wearing diabetic socks. They can:
- Improve blood flow to your feet
- Keep your feet dry
- Keep fungal infections off your feet
- Provide cushion
