Diabetes Discussion -
7 Diabetes Foot Care Tips
 By
Carol Ann Bentley
If you have diabetes information about how to manage your
condition is vital to your well being.
If you don't look after your feet you run the risk of developing
sores or infections that could, in the worst case scenario, lead to
amputations. As happened to my father-in-law. Reduce your risk of
infection or amputation by incorporating these 7 foot care tips...
1) Check your feet daily - especially if you have low sensitivity
or no feeling in your feet. Sores, cuts and grazes could go
unnoticed and you could develop problems leading to amputations.
2) Don't go around barefoot, even indoors. It's easy to tread on
something or stub your toes and cut yourself. Protect your feet with
socks/stockings and shoes/slippers.
3) Be careful if you have corns or calluses. Check with your
doctor or podiatrist the best way to care for them.
4) Wash your feet daily in warm, not hot water. And don't
soak your feet (even if you've been standing all day) because it
could dry your skin and form cracks or sores.
5) Take extra care to dry your feet completely, especially
between your toes. These are natural moisture traps - leaving them
damp or wet could create all sorts of problems.
6) Exercise your legs and feet regularly. Even when sitting you
can rotate your ankles; wiggle your toes or move your legs up and
down. These all keep your blood circulation flowing and helps to
minimize the risk of foot problems.
7) Get your feet professionally checked, at least once a year,
for sensitivity and signs of any problems. You can usually arrange
this when you have your annual check up for your AC1 levels (blood
glucose levels over a 3-month period), blood pressure and
cholesterol.
Take constant
care of your feet. Get help from a
relative or professional; Doctor, diabetic nurse or podiatrist if
you are not able to bend when trimming nails or checking for sores.
Taking these simple actions will help you reduce the risk of painful
problems.
© 2006 Carol Ann
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