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| Feet Care |  Diabetes affects nerves and decreases blood flow to the feet, that’s why people with this disease are more vulnerable to foot problems. It has been estimated that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. Thanks to proper care of your feet, many serious problems can be prevented.
Wash and Dry Your Feet Each Day
- Use mild soaps and warm water.
- Don’t rub your skin to make it dry, pat it.
- In order to prevent cracking use lotion after washing. Don’t put lotion between your toes.
Scrutinize Your Feet Each Day
- Examine the tops and bottoms of your feet. Ask someone else look if you cannot see them.
- Watch for dry, cracked skin.
- Check for cuts, scratches, blisters or other sores.
- Look for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness while touching your feet.
- Look for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses.
- In any way do not pop blisters and sores caused by your shoes. Apply a bandage and wear another pair of shoes.
Take Care of Your Toenails
- Cut your toenails after bathing.
- Cut your toenails straight across, not into corners.
- After cutting smooth your toenails with an emery board.
- Avoid cutting into the corners of your toes.
- You may want a podiatrist to cut your toenails.
Be Careful While Exercising
- Walk and exercise in comfortable shoes.
- Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet.
Protect Your Feet with Shoes and Socks
- Don’t go barefoot. Protect your feet with shoes or hard-soled slippers.
- Don’t wear shoes with high heels and pointed toes.
- Don’t wear shoes that jeopardize your toes or heels, like open toes. Such shoes increase your risk for injury and potential infections.
- Avoid wearing new shoes for more than an hour at a time.
- Don’t wear tight socks.
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