DIABETES

A few minutes each day looking after your feet can help to prevent many future foot problems

~~~The following advice will help you to look after your feet properly~~~

HOW ARE FOOT PROBLEMS CAUSED?

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage in the feet and legs, often resulting in a loss of sensation(NEUROPATHY). Any
trauma or injury to the foot (ie. tight shoes causing blisters/corns) may not be felt and could lead to more severe
problems such as ulceration. Diabetes can also lead to a restricted blood supply to the feet, resulting in cold, painful
feet. For these reasons, injuries to the feet may be slow to heal and thus have an increased risk for infection.

Examine your feet

~~~Damaged skin can lead to infection. Look at your feet closely to check for cuts and scratches,
swelling/inflammatiion, or discoloration. If you are not able to see well, ask someone else to do this for you. Feeling
your feet will also help you to find lumps, swelling, and hot or cold areas. Be sure to clean any cuts or scratches well,
apply a bandage, and contact your foot specialist.

Wash your feet

~~~It is very important to wash and examine your feet DAILY. Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them well, but
gently. Don't forget to dry between your toes. Use moisturizing cream to keep your skin soft and supple, but do not
apply creams between your toes or it may make the skin too moist.

Avoid burning your feet

~~~Like many people who are diabetic, you may not be able to feel heat, cold, or pain very well in your feet. You must
take certain precautions because of this. Take extra care not to burn yourself- turn off electric blankets, exercise
caution with hot-water bottles, and do NOT put your feet to close to a fire or against a radiator.
***Check the temperature of the bath water with your elbow before stepping into the tub***

Toe nails

~~~Toenails should usually be cut straight across. Do NOT cut or probe down the sides of your nails. If you have
reduced feeling or circulation in your feet, it will be much safer to leave this to your Podiatrist. Often times along with
the increased thickness of the nails, they become brittle, painful, and difficult for you to cut. Ask for advice.

Corns and calluses

~~~Corns and calluses should be dealt with by your Podiatrist. They range from small hard corns, to diffuse, large
plantar calluses, and even soft corns between the toes. These often become thick and painful, but do NOT try to cut
them yourself and do NOT use 'corn remedies'. Allow the foot care experts to address the cause and treatment.

Check your footwear regularly

~~~Shoes should be checked for a good fit, preferably have laces/velcro, soft uppers, roomy toes, and a cushioned
insole and rubber sole. This allows the foot to function well, without rubbing against the skin. When buying new shoes,
ask for your feet to be measured. Also walk around the store in the shoes, as all manufacturer's sizes are not exactly
the same. It is also to best to get shoes in the afternoon- when the foot is 'relaxed & stretched', and often a little larger.
These days, shoes do not need much 'breaking-in'. They should be comfortable right away. Still, after buying shoes,
wear them for an hour or so at first, then remove the shoes and check for redness or signs of irritation or rubbing.
~~~Always wear clean socks or stockings which fit well. Examine all of your shoes, socks, and stockings for damage
each time you wear them. Be careful to look for tears, cracks, small objects, etc. which may damage your skin.

Don't smoke

~~~Smoking can worsen circulatory problems, thereby increasing the risks for problems in your feet. Ask for advice on
the many different stop smoking plans. Your Pharmacist, primary care physician, and Podiatrist CAN help you to stop.