Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetics can damage the peripheral nerves in the feet and cause impaired blood circulation, making foot wounds less visible and reducing the body’s ability to fight infection, requiring more careful care of the feet. Minor foot trauma may develop into ulcers or even serious infections. Ulcers can be found on the bottom of the foot, on the top or bottom of the toes. Good foot care can prevent most problems.
Foot care is easy to do, and most of it can be done in the shower or at bedtime. Foot injuries can be prevented by wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes and socks at all times.
The following steps can be taken.
The following steps can be taken:
- Check your feet daily. Ask your doctor to examine your feet at each visit.
- Before wearing shoes, look for loose foreign objects or rough edges in the shoes.
- Make foot care a daily activity similar to brushing your teeth.
- Do not treat your own foot problems to avoid injury. Ingredients in over-the-counter medications for callus removal may irritate the skin, and removing corns or calluses on your own can also cause infection.
- Any problems with the foot should be treated as soon as possible.
How to care for your feet
The following steps can be followed:
- Check your feet at least once a day. A careful observation of the feet is the most important part. Having a small mirror in hand can help the patient see clearly. If you cannot see clearly, ask someone else to help.
- Wash your feet daily. Post the steps for washing feet and trimming toenails in the bathroom and follow them to get into the habit. Dry your feet thoroughly before putting on your shoes and socks.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Soft, supportive shoes (like tennis shoes) are the best choice. Pay attention to the item description when buying new shoes to make sure you get comfortable shoes. Gradually increase the amount of time you wear your shoes to allow your feet to get used to them. Choose socks without seams.
- Prevent foot injuries. Check for foreign or sharp objects in your shoes and punctured soles before wearing them. Check your feet for blisters, cuts or abrasions after exercise such as hiking or skiing. If you are unable to see them, ask someone else for help. Put foot protection methods on your shoe closet.
- Ask your doctor to examine your feet at each visit to catch any problems you may have missed. Remove your shoes and socks while waiting for your appointment to remind the doctor to check them. Make a note of any minor problems or questions and bring them with you to the appointment.
- Treat it early. Even if the problem is minor, you should consult your doctor unless you have learned how to treat it from your doctor. For special management, the doctor may refer the patient to a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon. Some seemingly minor irritations can develop into serious problems, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.