People with diabetes can contract diabetic foot complications such as damaged blood vessels and consequent poor circulation in the lower legs and feet. Because of the poor circulation, a diabetic person may have impaired feeling in their feet and may not notice a small cut, sore or blister. If such a seemingly minor injury goes untreated it can lead to major diabetic foot complications which, in extreme cases end up with amputation being necessary.
Make sure that you have a foot care routine which will prevent you from developing diabetic foot complications.
1. If at all possible, get a doctor, nurse or foot care professional to check your feet over every six weeks or so. They will have the knowledge and the tools to cut your toe nails and care for any corns or calluses that you’ve developed.
2. Even if you do have someone to care for your feet periodically, you need to check your feet yourself every day. You can do this while you’re washing them in warm water then drying thoroughly to prevent any fungus from growing in the warmth and damp. Finish off with a foot cream containing antibacterial agents to keep your feet moist and unlikely to crack but only use in on the soles and tops of the feet, not in between the toes which is already quite a moist area of the foot. If you do spot and infection, see your doctor straight away.
3. If you cut your own toe nails, soak your feet first to soften the nails and clean them then cut the nails in a straight line to prevent them from growing inwards. If you have a problem with dry skin, use a foot scrub or pumice file followed by foot cream.
4. Wear comfortable shoes which fit properly and don’t rub or chafe. Wear cotton or woollen socks to absorb perspiration. Even in the house, wear something on your feet in case you tread on something which could injure you in some way.
5. Make sure that your feet don’t get cold. If they do, give them a good rub or jump up and down. If this is often a problem, wear thick socks.
An exercise routine will also help your circulation so try the following:
1. If you can, go for a walk or take some other form of exercise daily. If you currently have no problems with your feet then jogging or a game of tennis are good for you and fun as well.
2. If you need to sit down for prolonged periods, do the sort of exercises that they recommend on airlines such as rotating your ankles.
3. Sit with your feet up for a while.
4. Massage your feet, or better still, get someone else to do it.
Lifestyle changes can help avoid diabetic foot complications:
1. Lose weight if you need to but follow a healthy diet in any event.
2. Give up smoking, it’s terrible for the circulation.
3. Make sure that baths, showers and anywhere else that you may put your feet are kept scrupulously clean.
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