Diabetes and Foot Care

Living with diabetes makes it important to take care of your health care needs and especially the care of your feet. Any concerns should be addressed promptly by your healthcare professional.

Poor circulation and loss of sensation in the feet is a common problem with diabetics. This can lead to a variety of foot problems including blisters, ulcers, cracked heels, dry skin, calluses and corns. However, spending some time caring for your feet on a regular basis can help keep them healthy.

The tips and advice given on this page are in no way meant to replace any instructions or advice given by your medical practitioner, and are provided only as a general guideline to footcare.

Home Care

Check under your feet regularly. If you cannot see under your feet check using a mirror or get someone to check for you. Check for changes and look for cuts, blisters, corns, ingrown toenails or signs of infection. Also look for white, moist, wrinkled skin, especially between the toes.

Hygiene

Always keep your feet clean. Wash them daily with a mild soap in warm water. Always check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow to ensure that the water is not too hot to avoid burning your feet. Dry your feet well and especially between your toes. Apply a non perfumed lotion to your feet after every wash to help reduce skin dryness.

Medical Care

Never cut corns or use a sharp object on your feet. Get help from the clinic or doctor. Keep your toenails properly trimmed and smooth. If you develop an ingrown toenail then seek medical attention, never try and treat it yourself.

Foot care

Wear clean socks, tights or stockings, every day. Avoid tight socks - They should fit well, without tight elastic, and should be neither too tight nor too loose. A sock that is at least 70% cotton or wool is best to absorb perspiration and allow the skin to breathe. Avoid socks with bulky seams.

Never walk bare foot at home or outside. Wear shoes and socks in the house and outside every day to protect and support your feet. Proper shoes are important. Avoid high shoes with no support, avoid long boots, wear well fitting flat shoes. Carefully inspect your feet after wearing new shoes to look for rubbed, red spots that might indicate a problem area. At first wear new shoes for only short periods of time.

Some diabetics may have nerve damage to their feet that causes a loss of sensation. Diasock_® with lighter colours will allow diabetics to spot open sores quickly. Diabetics who do not have this particular problem can choose darker colour Diasock_®.

Blood Circulation

Poor circulation of the blood results in less oxygen reaching the cells in the feet. If this happens you may experience slower healing and painful foot ulcers.

If you smoke, stop immediately. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of circulation and nerve problems in people with diabetes.

Exercise each day if you are able to. Also do not sit in one position for long periods of time. Move your legs and feet every few minutes and avoid crossing your knees and ankles.

Avoid extreme heat and severe cold. Remember that the temperature sensation in your feet may not be reliable. Never put your feet near open heat. Avoid using hot water bottles that can burn the skin. Use Diasock Winter Wool socks to keep your feet warm instead.

Remember that your feet require regular attention and make sure that your clinic or doctor checks your feet during every visit. Always seek help from a healthcare professional at the first sign of a problem.