Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

If you are one of the million Americans in the U.S. who are living with diabetes, then this article is for you.

Proper foot care is crucial for everyone with diabetes. Unfortunately, if your feet are not taken care of properly, foot problems can develop quickly. There are a variety of foot problems that can take place as a result of improper foot care, and even the most ordinary problem can become worse and eventually lead to more serious complications.

Foot problems often occur as a result of nerve damage, or neuropathy, which results as a loss of feeling in your feet. Another cause of foot problems are poor blood flow in the feet or legs and changes in the shape of your feet or toes.

It is crucial for diabetics to inspect their feet every day for any kind of changes and immediately following a foot injury. It is best to ensure that your feet are checked at least once a year or more often if you experience foot problems on a regular basis. Your physician should also provide you with a checklist explaining how to effectively care for your feet. Many people can prevent a lot of major foot problems by following some simple steps.Caring for your feet

Take care of your diabetes. Work closely with your team of health care professionals to ensure that your blood glucose is in your target range. Keeping your blood sugar under control may help prevent or delay diabetes-related foot problems as well as eye and kidney disease.

Check your feet everyday. Look for red spots, cuts, swelling, infected toe nails, sores, and blisters. This is especially important because you could have foot problems without the existence of foot pain. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help. Find a good time during the day to check your feet and make it a part of your daily routine.

Become more active. Try to implement physical activity into your lifestyle. Consult your health care team for a physical activity program that is right for you. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercises that are easy on the feet.

Ask your physician about Medicare coverage for special shoes. You may have a need for special shoes or inserts that may be helpful to you in preventing serious foot problems.

Wash your feet everyday. Make sure to dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

Keep your skin soft and smooth. This can be accomplished by rubbing a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet.

Trim your toenails when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file. Try to do this each week or when needed. If you cannot see well, or if your toenails are thick or yellowed, ask your foot doctor to do this for you.

Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot --- not even indoors - because it is easy to step on something and hurt your feet.

Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time and do not smoke.

Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet.References

American Diabetes Association, Foot Complications. Retrieved July 17, 2007, from Diabetes Web site: http://diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids/what-is-diabetes/foot-complications.jsp

American Diabetes Association, Foot Care. Retrieved on July 17, 2007, from Diabetes Web site: http://diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/well-being/foot-care.jsp

WebMd, Taking Care of your Feet for a Lifetime. Retrieved July 15, 2007, from WebMd Web site: http://diabetes.webmd.com/foot-care-diabetes

The copyright of the article Foot Care Tips for Diabetics in Heart Disease/Diabetes is owned by Faith Redwine. Permission to republish Foot Care Tips for Diabetics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Previously published on July 21, 2007 on Suite 101 by Faith S. Redwine.