Importance of Footcare for Diabetics

Proper foot care is important for diabetics, as ignoring even the smallest problem could cause a life threatening emergency. If you are diabetic then you probably know that the best diabetic foot ulcer treatment is prevention. You need to take special care of your feet because they can be affected by poor circulation without you even noticing. Once developed, the most drastic diabetic foot ulcer treatment is amputation. Nobody wants that and there are plenty of ways of preventing it from happening.

To help you avoid a worst-case-scenario here are some foot care tips:

1. Keep the blood flowing by exercising your feet and legs. If you're mobile then go for a walk every day. This will keep your whole cardiovascular system in good condition and you are less likely to develop poor circulation. If you can't manage a walk, while sitting in your chair wiggle your toes, rotate your ankles round and round and lift your legs up and down. If you can't manage any of this activity, you must ask someone to massage your feet at least on a daily basis.

2. Never walk barefoot. Not even at home. Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut. Wear shoes or slippers even indoors to prevent stubbing your toes or treading on something which may cut you. Any damage to your feet which goes unnoticed and untreated can develop into something nasty.

3. Wash and dry your feet carefully. Use warm water and don't soak your feet for long or they could become dry and sore. Be sure to dry carefully between the toes to avoid causing any sort of fungal infection. Moisturize your feet - but not between your toes Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don't moisturize between the toes - that could encourage a fungal infection.

4. While washing your feet, have a good look at them and make sure that there are no injuries which you haven't noticed - don't forget, you're trying to avoid diabetic foot ulcer treatment. This is particularly important if you are already suffering from lack of sensitivity in your feet.

5. If you are able, get a professional to take regular care of your feet. A chiropodist, podiatrist or diabetic nurse will have been trained to look after corns and calluses, cut toenails, give foot massage and spot problems before diabetic foot ulcer treatment becomes necessary. Never treat corns or calluses yourself. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.