People who live with diabetes are prone to foot problems that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Most of their problems are caused by nerve damage and poor circulation, which are symptoms related to diabetes.
These two problems combined can lead to small blisters or wounds developing serious infections in just a few days. Dry and cracked skin is common in patients with diabetes and without treatment bacteria can enter and infection can develop.
Constant monitoring and serious foot care is required for all diabetics. You can learn more about diabetic foot care by watching this short video by Dr. Kyle Lindow, podiatrist and our clinic’s diabetic foot care expert:
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
People who live with diabetes are prone to foot problems that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Most of their problems are caused by nerve damage and poor circulation, which are symptoms related to diabetes.
These two problems combined can lead to small blisters or wounds developing serious infections in just a few days.
Dry and cracked skin is common in patients with diabetes and without treatment bacteria can enter and infection can develop. Constant monitoring and serious foot care is required for all diabetics.
Proper Foot Care for Diabetics
- Wash both your feet everyday and carefully dry them to ensure you don’t create any cracks or cuts. After washing rub the feet with lotion to keep them soft and moist. Ask your doctor for recommendations regarding moisturizing applications.
- Never walk barefoot because its easy to damage the feet with decreased nerve sensitivity. Wear shoes, slippers or socks when you walk around your home or outside. It is best to wear slippers or shoes designed with diabetics in mind, such as Dr. Comfort brand.
- Keep the feet warm and avoid getting them wet. Occasionally those with diabetics do not sweat properly and it is necessary to change shocks during the day.
- Refrain from smoking because it damages the blood vessels. The body will be less capable of delivering oxygen to your feet. Smoking is known to further inhibit healing.
- Inspect your feet daily and look for swelling, wounds, bruising, redness, blisters, scratches and cuts. Using a facial mirror placed on the floor is a simple method to allow self-inspection of the sole of the foot.
- Wear shoes with a proper fit and only buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet are larger so you can get the best fit. Diabetic shoes are the best.
- After long walks inspect your feet for any pressure, swelling, ulcers or damage. Inspect your feet after work as well.
- Wear custom orthotics prescribed by a foot and ankle surgeon to decrease the pressure placed on your feet as you walk. Orthotics can be transferred from shoe to shoe so wear them as often as possible. The design of the orthotics should distribute your weight evenly and eliminate any pressure points.
Dr. Kyle Lindow is our resident expert on podiatric conditions and diabetic foot care.
Make your appointment with Dr. Lindow today!
