Diabetics have to pay special attention to their foot care. Out of control blood sugar can lead to neuropathy, causing nerve damage in the feet through the damaged nerve cells. This nerve damage can lead to numb areas or total numbness in both feet.
When this happens, it’s difficult to notice changes or pain in the foot. That’s why extra care must be paid attention to foot health when you have diabetes. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take as a diabetic to ensure you’re giving your feet the care they require.
Tips for Diabetic Foot Health
- Check your feet each day for cuts, spots, blisters, swelling, discoloration, ingrown nails, and any other irregularities. You may not be able to feel them and lesions on the foot get infected very easily. If you can’t see the entire foot easily, use a mirror to ensure you have a complete view.
- Wash your feet each day in warm (not hot!) water. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria that can cause lesions or fungus. Make sure to dry them completely, particularly between the toes, so bacteria cannot grow there.
- Moisturize your feet so they don’t get dry and cracked. Only moisturize them on the top and bottom, never between the toes (again, to avoid fungus growth!).
- Trim your toenails weekly, or as needed, and finish with a nail buff or nail file to smooth the edges. Always trim the nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails and use sterilized scissors and nail files.
- Smooth corns and calluses with a gentle pumice stone as needed to avoid dry, cracked skin. Never use a shaver on your feet!
- Treat yourself with a pedicure! Just make sure the pedicure is from a spa that specializes in diabetic pedicures so they give your feet the attention they need.
- Always wear shoes or socks, even when indoors. Barefeet pose a risk to stepping on something sharp or encountering fungus that can lead to an infection that could go unnoticed. Furthermore, make sure your shoes are properly fitting to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Make a Chiropodist Part of Your Healthcare Team
If you notice any changes in your feet during your inspections, such as discolorations, scrapes, cuts, or hardened skin, contact a chiropodist specializing in diabetic foot care. At Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic, we can help you maintain your foot health with diabetes and help prevent infections from vulnerable areas on the feet.
Contact us today for diabetic foot care!