Diabetic Foot Care

When the nerves in the feet are damaged, diabetics can experience a loss of feeling. Without feeling in the feet, it becomes extremely difficult to sense pain and extreme temperatures, which can cause devastating injury. 

As a result, diabetics can sustain an injury to their foot which they are unaware of, due to not being able to feel the pain. By not detecting their own injury, these people are known to leave their wounds untreated, which can cause infections and other serious issues. 

As a diabetic, preventing serious foot problems is extremely important. With the right foot care, you can keep your feet safe, protected, healthy, and prevent damage. 

Follow these guidelines for diabetic foot care:

Pay Attention To Your Feet

Remember that people with peripheral neuropathy have trouble feeling their feet, including pain sensation. That means if your foot gets cut, you might not even realize it! What’s worse is that if that cut is left untreated, it could get infected, causing numerous, potentially serious outcomes.

The best way to ensure that you are aware of any injuries to your feet in a timely manner is to pay close attention and examine them on a daily basis. Whether you check your feet before bed or when you wake up in the morning, just make sure that you do it. With constant observance, you will be able to tell if something has changed with your feet.

As you examine your feet, look for discoloration, redness, warmth, cuts/abrasions, or any signs of swelling. Problems with your feet can potentially cause permanent damage or even become life-threatening. Don’t leave anything to chance.

You should schedule an annual foot exam with a chiropodist or foot specialist. A licensed chiropodist will be able to examine and assess your feet and provide routine care and treatment when you need it.

Keep Your Feet Clean

Keeping your feet clean is another important aspect of diabetic foot care. Your feet must be cleaned every night using warm water and soap. Once you’ve washed your feet, dry them well, and don’t miss the area between your toes. 

Next, use a gentle moisturizer to keep your feet moist, smooth, and free of cracks. Clean feet help prevent infections, so make sure and clean your feet daily.

Maintain Your Toenails

Your toenails play a huge role in the health and safety of your feet. Make sure that you trim your toenails in a straight line to prevent injury, and keep them short and clean. If you have difficulty doing this on your own, contact your local chiropodist for care.

Wear Clean Socks

The moisture in your socks can lead to severe issues for your feet. Change your socks every day in order to keep your feet dry, clean and healthy.

Make Sure Your Shoes Fit

Shoes that are too tight can create pressure points on your feet. The constant pressure that small shoes put on your toes and your heel can cause damage and pain. Ensure that your shoes fit your feet well and aren’t too big or too small.

Get Help When You Need It

If you check out your feet and something seems off, seek medical attention. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late and serious damage has been done. Anytime you notice that your feet are having some issues, make sure to get the help that you need.

Feet in Motion for Diabetic Foot Care 

Get the foot care that you need at our Feet in Motion clinics. We know how to care for your feet to keep them healthy. If you’re diabetic, you don’t have to worry about your feet, when you receive foot care from Feet in Motion.

Contact Feet In Motion for all your foot care needs.