For people with diabetes, foot health is a vital component to managing the disease. If neglected, it can result in numerous complications including nerve damage, poor circulation, and increased risk of infections. Wearing the right diabetic shoes is a great start but paying close attention to your foot health goes beyond that. We have identified five tips that will help you on your journey to optimal foot health.
Inspect Your Feet (Daily)
Thoroughly inspecting your feet daily should become as routine as brushing your teeth. Look for any signs of cuts, blisters, infections, ulcers, redness, swelling or any other anomalies. Purchase a mirror if you have difficulty seeing all areas of both your feet. If it is still too difficult, ask a family member to help inspect your feet on a daily basis. It is so important to catch any problems early so that you can address it before it becomes a major problem.
Trim Your Toenails
Proper nail care is imperative. Trim your toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails or other painful conditions. Use nail clippers designed specifically for toenails (and not fingernails). Use a nail file to file down any rough edges.
Keep Your Feet Dry
As with all body parts, it is important to clean it every day. Same for your feet. However, when you have diabetes, it is especially important to spend the time drying your feet, as well. Be sure to dry your entire foot including between your toes. By keeping your foot dry, you will be able to avoid fungal infections that wreak havoc on your foot health.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Since people with diabetes often have reduced sensation in their feet, it is important to avoid extreme temperatures. Whether it is walking barefoot on hot pavement or burning your feet in a hot tub, it is critical to avoid these situations.
Visit a Podiatrist
In addition to your daily inspection, scheduling regular visits to your primary care physician or podiatrist is of particular importance for people with diabetes. These medical professionals can assess your foot health routines and provide guidance on how to maintain optimal foot health.
Wearing diabetic shoes is a great start to good foot health, but inspecting your feet daily, trimming your toenails, keeping your feet dry, avoiding extreme temperatures, and visiting a podiatrist are important tasks to help you manage your foot health.