15 Steps for Diabetic Foot Care
Controlling Blood Sugar Levels can reduce the Blood Vessel & Nerve Damage that often lead to Diabetic Foot complication. If a foot wound or ulcer does occur, blood sugar control reduces the risk of requiring amputation.
1) Inspect your feet daily. Use a mirror if necessary to see the bottoms of your feet or the area between your toes.
2 ) Any sores or blisters should be treated with an antibacterial ointment & covered with a bandage. Do not attempt to remove corns, calluses or ingrown toe-nails at home.
3) Use a good moisturizer or lotion on heels & feet, but not between the toes. The area between the toes is prone to dampness, which promotes an environment for fungal infections.
4) Never go Barefoot. A splinter or tiny scrap can lead to a serious infection, because of reduced sensation & reduced blood flow.
5) Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) soapy water. Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle to warm cold feet, a burn could occur.
6) Trim your toe-nails carefully & cut them straight across the top, to avoid an ingrown nails.
7) Wear thick, soft socks & avoid wearing slippery stockings, mended socking or socking with seams.
8) Wear shoes that fit your feet & allow your toes to move.
9) Break in new shoes gradually, wearing them for only an hour at a time.
10) Avoid sitting with legs crossed. Crossing your legs can reduce the flow of blood to the feet.
11 ) People whose feet are at high risk should not be advised to do more walking than is necessary for daily living. These people should avoid weight bearing exercises. They can do non-weight bearing exercises & should be advised to swim or ride an exercise bike.
12) Annual assessment to detect any neuropathic changes at the earliest.
13 ) NOTE: When Buying Shoes : Always Buy in the Afternoon, Measure Both Feet, Stand up to fit, Wear in slowly, Never wear new shoes all day.
14) Always look for any abnormal sensation, Severe pain, Dry scaly or cracked skin, Bruises, Cuts, Blisters, New growth on feet, Soreness or redness of feet, Abnormal change in shape of foot, Ulcers & pus formation.
15 ) Shoes are the most common cause of ulceration.
What to look for in shoe?
Wide & deep at the toe, Thick rubber soles, No high heels, firm Heel Counter, Laces or velcro, Smooth lining, Leather shoes preferred over rubber shoes. People with deformities need specially made shoes.
