Diabetes Management

Ten Tips for Healthier, Happier Feet If You Have Diabetes

Do you have diabetes? Do you have an open sore that just does not heal? Is it red, painful, draining and smells bad? Chances are you have a diabetic foot ulcer. One in four people with diabetes develops at least one ulcer post-diagnosis.

Foot problems associated with diabetes lead to deep infection, sepsis and lower extremity amputation. Foot ulcers commonly appear under the big toe and balls of the feet. They can cause damage to the feet down to the bones. They are identified by drainage from the affected area along with a lump which may or may not be painful. While poor blood circulation and high blood sugar are the common causes, good foot care and use of therapeutic orthotic devices like orthopedic walkers can decrease the ulcers.

10 Tips to Take Care of Your Feet

1. Take care of your Diabetes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can keep the blood glucose normal, thereby, preventing diabetes-related foot problems. Also make sure you are taking the correct medicines prescribed by your doctor.

Arkary Vital Blood Glucose Meter Kit	Minimed Paradigm Quick-set Infusion Set	CareActive Diabetic Swellsox

2. Examine Your Foot Daily

Check your feet on a daily basis for cuts, sores, swelling and infected toenails. These may or may not be accompanied with pain. If there are any suspicious cuts or bruises, then contact a doctor immediately.

3. Wash your feet every day

Wash your feet in the warm water on a daily basis. Dry well and use talcum powder to keep the skin between the toes dry. Do not use any liquid or powder without the consultation of your doctor.

4. Keep the skin of the feet soft and smooth

The top and bottom of the feet should be kept moisturized. Do not apply any moisturizer between the toes as it can trap moisture and lead to further skin problems. The TriDerma Intense Fast Healing Cream works very well for minor to severely damaged skin from pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, and skin breakdown. It is gentle enough to be used as a daily skin moisturizer.

TriDerma Intense Fast Healing Cream	Coloplast Moisturizing Skin Protectant Cream	Cardinal Health Hand And Body Lotion

5. Smooth corns and calluses gently

A pumice stone can be used to smooth corns and calluses gently. It should be rubbed gently in one direction to avoid skin tearing. The Bare 20 Moisturizing Urea Gel, effectively removes thick calluses. It also hydrates the skin and improves blood circulation.

6. Keep the toenails trimmed

Trim the toenails straight across and smooth them with a nail filer. Many a time, when feet rub against each other, the toe nails might make a cut or a bruise on the skin which might get complicated in the case of diabetes.

7. Wear shoes and socks at all times

It is important to keep your feet covered, even when indoors. This will help avoid blisters and sores. Use well-fitting, clean and lightly padded stockings. Also wear appropriate sized shoes and socks. Unfit shoes can cause corns and calluses and also lead to brusing and pain.

8. Keep your feet protected from hot and cold

Wear warm shoes and stockings in cold weather. Apply sunscreen on the feet to avoid sunburns when you are out in a hot weather. The colder the weather, the drier the skin, and greater are the chances of developing rashes.

Salk Borage DiabetiCare Foot Cream	PediFix Diabetic Foot Cream	Lantiseptic Therapeutic Cream

9. Maintain blood flow to your feet

Keep your feet lifted when sitting for a long duration. Avoid sitting cross-legged for a long time. Wiggle your toes for a few minutes twice or thrice a day. Quit smoking as it reduces blood flow to the feet. Movement is the key. A physically active daily regime is very important to keep diabetes in check. Forms of exercises easy on the stomach should be followed.

10. Therapeutic footwear and orthotic insoles

Studies have also shown that use of therapeutic footwear and orthotic insoles, by people suffering from diabetes, can lower the incidence of foot ulcers and amputations.

Vasyli Hoke Supination Control Orthotic	CareActive Plaid Heel Protector Foot Pillows	Vasyli Full Length High Density Insoles

So, while diabetic ulcers are unavoidable to a large extent, adequate foot care, use of therapeutic footwear and orthotic insoles can go a long way in prevention and healing.

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