Understanding Diabetic Foot Care

It may sound outrageous, however when you have Diabetes, taking care of your feet is critical. When you are Diabetic, nerve damage can prevent proper blood flow to your feet. Neglecting your feet can lead to serious complication such as infection and amputation.

According to the American Diabetes Association, one in five people with Diabetes are treated for foot problems. There are certain guidelines that Diabetics should follow in order to keep their feet healthy.

Cleanliness - wash your feet using soap and water. It is not recommended that a strong soap be used as it can cause drying a cracking. This can lead to sores and infection. Dry your feet thoroughly and use a moisturizing lotion, however avoid applying the lotion in between your toes. This area is highly susceptible to fungal growth.

Check your Feet - it is imperative that you check your feet everyday, especially if you have new shoes. Look for blisters cuts and scratches. If you have a blister, do not pop it, call your physician immediately. Check the bottoms and tops and if you have a difficult time, ask someone to help you or call your physician. Ingrown toenails, calluses and bunions can create serious problems so consult your physician as soon as you notice them. It is also important to consult your physician if you have pain or numbness in your toes and feet.

Toenails - proper care of your toenails is critical for a diabetic. There is a certain way to trim them. It is recommended that they be cut and groomed after bathing when the nails are soft. Because the complications that can arise from poor nail care can be devastating, it is recommended that a podiatrist trim and groom your toenails.

Protect your feet - protecting your feet is not difficult if you know what to do. It is important that you do go barefoot or wear sandals. Diabetics need to wear hard soled shoes because it not only gives proper support; it also protects your feet from accidents and injuries. Women with Diabetes should not wear pointy-toed high-heeled shoes.

Socks - Socks should always be worn with shoes, however it is critically important that they be worn with new shoes. It is also recommended that new shoes not be worn for longer then an hour at a time. Socks should be soft and thick enough to protect heels and toes from the hard surfaces of the shoes but should not cause the shoes to be tight. Cotton socks are recommended. There are special Diabetic socks available on the market today.

Weather - Weather can affect your feet. It is important that you wear the appropriate shoes for each season. Protecting your feet from the elements will keep them in good condition.

Proper foot care is critical for a Diabetic. It is important that you consult your physician if there is an accident or injury even if you think it is minor. Infection can set in very quickly with Diabetes and if you wait too long to consult your physician, even a minor injury can cause a life threatening complications.

Having Diabetes requires special care be taken, however, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy your life. It is possible to do the things that you enjoy; you will have to be aware of certain aspects for your health.