Hello listeners. Welcome to another addition of Lifeline RX. I’m Aldora Robinson and your health tip for the day is on Diabetic foot care in recognition of World Health day which was observed on the 7th of April under the theme Beat Diabetes.
Do you want to lower your chances of getting foot problems that can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, or leg? These tips tells you how. It’s all about taking care of your feet. Even if you have had diabetes for a long time using these tips will help you to make your own plan for taking care of your feet.
Why is foot care important?
Over time, diabetes can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Diabetes also can lower the amount of blood flow in your feet. Numbness and less blood flow in the feet can lead to foot problems.
Foot care is very important for all people with diabetes, but even more so if you have:
Pain or loss of feeling in your feet (numbness, tingling)
Changes in the shape of your feet or toes
Sores, cuts, or ulcers on your feet that do not heal
If you take care of your feet every day, you can lower your chances of losing a toe, foot, or leg. Managing your blood sugar can also help keep your feet healthy.
Work with your health care team to make a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle and includes foot care. The team may include your doctor, a nutritionist, a nurse, and other specialists who can help you manage your diabetes
Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. You may have foot problems, but feel no pain in your feet.
Check your feet each evening when you take off your shoes.
If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a mirror to help. You can also ask a family member or caregiver to help you. Here are a few more tips!
• Rub a thin coat of lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly on the tops and bottoms of your feet.
• Do not put lotion or cream between your toes because this might cause an infection due to excessive moisture
• Thick patches of skin called corns or calluses can grow on the feet. If you have corns or calluses, check with your doctor about the best way to care for them.
• If your doctor tells you to, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses after bathing or showering. A pumice stone is a type of rock used to smooth the skin. Rub gently, only in one direction, to avoid tearing the skin.
• Do not cut corns and calluses.
• Do not use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn and callus removers – they can damage your skin and cause an infection
• Trim your toenails with nail clippers after you wash and dry your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across and smooth the corners with an emery board or nail file. This prevents the nails from growing into the skin. Do not cut into the corners of the toenail
• Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot when indoors or outside. It is easy to step on something and hurt your feet. You may not feel any pain and not know that you hurt yourself.
• Make sure you wear socks, stockings, or nylons with your shoes to keep from getting blisters and sores.
• Choose clean, lightly padded socks that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best.
• Check inside your shoes before you put them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in your shoes.
• Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
• Put your feet up when you are sitting.
• Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.
• Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
• Do not wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands around your legs.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can lower the amount of blood flow to your feet
For more information, listen to Lifeline RX on Monday’s at 9:30am or visit this website for tips.
