“People with diabetes should pay special attention to protecting their feet,” says Dr. Rick Siegel, a St. Joe Podiatrist.
He recommends that people with diabetes inspect their feet every day, looking for nicks, cuts or scratches. If they detect any, they should alert their physician immediately.
“For those with diabetes, unfortunately, a small cut can lead to something as grave as amputation,” says Dr. Siegel. “That is why we stress healthy lifestyle choices for our patients as well as continued education so that they understand the risk factors as well as tips for keeping feet healthy.”
GUIDELINES
There are two ways in which diabetes can damage the feet, through nerve damage as well as through the hardening of blood vessels. However, by managing the level of blood sugar, many of the foot problems that are associated with diabetes can be prevented.
While managing blood sugar can aid in prevention, podiatrists also recommend the following steps for maintaining healthy feet:
· Inspect your feet daily. Every morning or every evening, make it a ritual to examine your feet for swelling, redness, cuts, blisters or nail problems. Remember to look in between your toes and use a hand mirror if you have difficulty seeing the underside of your feet.
· Keep feet clean. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, using a sponge or a washcloth. Do not use hot water. Use extra care while drying feet, by blotting or patting with a clean towel. It’s important to dry between each toe.
· Keep feet moisturized. Lotions will help to keep the skin on your feet hydrated and guard against cracking. Do not put moisturizer between toes—this can lead to fungal infections.
· Keep nails trimmed. Trim nails so that the end are even with the end of your toes. Be careful not to cut them too short as this could lead to ingrown toenails and a possible infection. If you have corns or calluses, go to your doctor! Do not attempt to take care of these yourself.
· Wear clean, comfortable socks. It’s important to select socks that fit well, but do not have elastic bands or that are thick, bulky or bumpy. These can lead to skin irritation. Clean socks should be used daily.
· Inspect your shoes daily. Before you put your shoes on, you should do a short inspection. Check to make sure that there is no debris in the shoe.
· Keep feet protected. It’s important that your shoes are comfortable and protect your feet. It’s important that you never walk around barefoot and that you avoid open-toe or open-heel shoes.
· Maintain a dialogue with your physician. You should check in with your physician or podiatrist regularly. When found early, foot problems can be controlled and treated.
While foot problems are a side effect of diabetes, they can be prevented through control of the blood sugar levels and proper foot hygiene.
REFERRALS
Please contact the SJMO referral line at 800.372.6094 for a podiatrist near you.