My Diabetes Information Blogs
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Taking Care of Diabetic Feet
11/30/07
Treatment Options
New research by orthopedic surgeons reinforces effective ways to prevent diabetic foot problems. Poor circulation, ulcers, infections, blisters, and nerve damage occur too often in diabetic feet. There are strategies you can use to keep your feet healthy.
To protect your feet from diabetes complications you should:
- Follow all of the diet, exercise, and blood sugar management guidelines to keep your hemoglobin A1C levels below 6.5 percent.
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
- If you find an ulcer, lose sensation in your feet, or notice any other foot problem, get an appointment with a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery.
- Wash your feet in warm water every day.
- If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them.
- File corns and calluses gently with an emery board or pumice stone.
- Cut your toenails once a week or when needed.
- Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries.
- Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters.
- Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that are too tight below your knee.
- Wear shoes that fit well. Break new shoes in by wearing them one to two hours each day for the first few weeks.
- Learn to measure your foot temperature. When they are too warm it is time to get off them and give them a rest.
- Drink lots of water.
For more information about taking care of your feet with diabetes, click on the American Diabetes Association Foot Care Web page.
Sources:
Reuters, November 2007
National National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Diabetes Care, January 2003
American Diabetes Association
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