subject: Diabetes Foot Care: How To Take Good Care Of Your Feet [print this page] If you suffer from diabetes, it is important that you carry out diabetic foot care on a regular basis, preferably daily. People who suffer from the medical condition are more prone to problems with their feet such as sores, cuts and bruises. General practitioners and other health advisers will look at a diabetic patients feet as part of their health check ups.
Problems that are noticed with the feet should not be self treated, you should try to get professional advice as to the best treatment. Clean and dry feet are a major part of avoiding infections and sores along with well trimmed toe nails. Regular, preferably daily inspection, of both the feet and in between toes is vital to prevent problems going unnoticed. Athletes foot and areas of dry skin should be treated with anti fungal and moisturisers.
To prevent standing on something that may cause cuts or bruises to the feet, walking about in bare feet should be avoided at all times. When wearing shoes, they should only be worn with socks that are not so tight as to affect the circulation in the feet. Ideally there should be no elastic around the ankle and they should be seam free.
If you are looking for shoes, you should look for ones that are not likely to rub the feet and perhaps cause bunions or corns to develop. The toes of the shoes should have plenty of room for the toes, avoid shoes with pointed toes. Avoid high heels that can cause pressure to areas of the feet. Buy shoes that have secure fastenings such as laces or buckles and avoid the slip on type of shoes.
While trying on shoes, the person should wear their usual type of socks. It is a good idea to put a hand inside the shoe to feel if there are any rough areas that may rub against the feet and cause problems. If the patient has unusual shaped feet, they may need to get specially made shoes.
People with the health condition many have damaged nerves due to a high level of sugar in the blood stream and therefore the feet may be more prone to burns as the nerves can not feel the sensation of the heat. It is therefore necessary to avoid using hot water bottles, electric blankets and foot spas. When checking bath water it is necessary to check the temperature with a hand before stepping into the water.
It is possible to buy socks that are specially made to protect the feet against sores, nerve damage and swelling. These socks will help improve the circulation in the feet and lower legs. The socks are generally made of loose fitting materials and have no elastic or seams that can rub against the feet causing problems.
As part of the daily foot inspection routine, you could use one of the many products available on the market. These products are suitable for rough and dry skin and help with the renewal of skin. Antibacterial creams that increase blood flow and prevent infections are also available.
