Foot care and Diabetes
FOOTCARE & DIABETES
Wash your feet daily in cool water, paying careful attention to
cleaning between your toes. Use a basin to do this; it's a
particularly good method of thoroughly checking your feet for
cuts, abrasions, swollen toes, discolorations or even something
stuck on your feet. If you can't see the sole properly use a
hand mirror or ask someone else to check for you. Unfortunately
in some people with diabetes problems can go unnoticed due to
reduction in sensation. To prevent injury to your feet please
don't walk around barefoot, even at home. Change to clean
socks/stockings daily. 'Thera-socks' a double layer sock and
seamless socks are excellent products to help prevent blistering
or potential friction ulcers.
If your skin is dry 'Callusan Extra' is a superb and effective
light mousse emollient containing Urea that can be used to
soften dry areas, it's a very useful product to treat or prevent
cracking and fissuring in the skin. (Cracked skin has the
potential to allow bacteria to enter the breaks setting up an
infection). Plain un-medicated talcum powder can be used
sparingly. Any itching, weeping fungal infection between toes
should be dealt with speedily using 'Lamisil' a spray or cream
version is available. Please remember that good foot hygiene
accompanied by examination is important and should always be
completed daily.
Leather lace-up shoes or even training shoes are recommended,
they hold the feet firmly in place and prevent the foot from
sliding forward. When buying new shoes ask for your feet to be
measured each time, there may be some changes from your last
visit to the shoe shop. Remember to check length, width and see
that there is enough depth in the toe area. Protect the sole of
your feet with a long lasting shock absorbing insole like
'PPT/Plastazote' diabetic specification insoles, available from
the Catalogue of Yourfootcare.com
Remember awareness of heat and cold can also sometimes be
diminished and circulation less efficient than a non-diabetic,
so attention should be paid to avoiding overheated baths,
sitting too close to a fire and keeping a hot water bottle in
bed. Cutting instruments should never be used on corns or
callouses by individuals with diabetes, importantly never use
corn paints/plasters, many contain strong acids that are
dangerous and could cause ulceration. Always seek the attention
of the Podiatrist for further advice.
Cut your toenails as straight across as possible using quality
nail clippers then carefully file any sharp edges to prevent
damage to the neighbouring toes. If your vision is not good
please see a Podiatrist.
Any minor injuries that do not appear to respond to your own
treatment should be shown immediately to your Podiatrist as even
a mild infection can upset your diabetes. If you notice a change
of colour, pain, throbbing, swelling or itching, in the foot, or
a discharge coming from a break in the skin, from a corn or
under a toe-nail consult your Podiatry Clinic or doctor
immediately. Finally for peace of mind and your safety, its
desirable that your Podiatrist should carry out a thorough
assessment of your feet at least annually