Individuals with diabetes must deal with a host of different issues. One of the things that diabetes can contribute to is nerve damage in the lower part of the body, including the feet. This means that injuries to that area of the body are not always recognized. An untreated injury, even a minor one, can lead to infection and have profoundly negative consequences for a diabetic. This article aims to help diabetics learn the best ways to take care of their feet so they can avoid complications.
Check your feet everyday.
Schedule time to look at your feet every day. You want to comb over the entire foot, looking for any scratches that may have occurred the day before. If you find one, carefully clean it with just water and soap. Put a bandage over it to protect it, even if it is a minor wound. If there is anything unusual about the cut, such as redness in the area around the scratch, schedule an appointment to see your doctor.
Keep the skin healthy.
Following your foot examination, apply a moisturizer to your feet to keep your skin from getting dry. However, it is important to avoid the area in between your toes when you do this; moisturizer can cause fungus to develop there. Be aware that red, cracking or itching skin can indicate fungus. If this happens, it needs to be addressed immediately, so do not hesitate to speak with your physician.
Think about your shoes.
Pay attention to your footwear. You want to wear shoes that give you the space to move your toes around. Glance inside your shoes prior to placing them on your feet so that you can remove anything that may have found its way inside, like a rock. Always put on clean socks that fit well; if you find yourself running low on socks each week, purchase more than you need so that you always have a clean supply available.
Check water temperature.
Keep bath water lukewarm and stay away from hot tubs. Because many individuals with diabetes have either neuropathy or nerve damage, they are unable to recognize when the water is extremely hot. Their feet can be damaged, and the blisters or burns that result can become infected. Before jumping into the water, use your elbow to determine if the water is the right temperature or not.
Make caring for your feet a priority.
Always put on shoes, and aim for footwear that is more substantial than just flip flops. You want your entire foot to be covered by whatever it is that you are wearing. While this advice may be obvious when you are thinking about going outside, it is also important to wear shoes inside too. You can cut your feet in a variety of ways when you are indoors, and most of the time, you don’t even realize it. Be cautious, and make putting on shoes part of your daily routine.
With proper care, diabetics can live a happy and healthy life. By remaining vigilant about the state of your feet, you can visit a doctor before serious complications occur. Use the tips in this article to keep your feet in great condition each and every day.