Diabetic Foot Problems and their Prevention
Often there is no pain associated with infection or trauma to the foot. Watch for new sores or ulcers that take unusually long to heal. Unusual, persistent warmth or coolness. Numbness or muscle weakness.
CAUSES--Susceptibility to infections and other foot problems result from circulation problems, nerve damage and impaired immune system in diabetic patients.
RISKS INCREASE WITH
An ingrown toenail. Plantar's corn or callus, blisters. Poorly fitting shoes.
STEPS TO HELP PREVENT
Wash feet daily with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly and gently, especially between the toes. Powder the feet once a week with talcum powder.
When the feet are thoroughly dry, rub lanolin into the skin to keep the skin soft and free from dryness. Do not rub so vigorously that the feet become tender. Don't cut corns or calluses or try to remove them with other medicines.
Prevent calluses under the balls of the feet by exercise: curl and stretch the toes 20 times a day; finish each step that you walk on the toes and not on the balls of the feet.
If your toenails are brittle and dry, apply lanolin generously under and about the nails for a few nights after soaking. Clean the nails carefully with clean orange-wood sticks. Cut nails carefully straight across. Do not cut on the sides of the nail or the cuticle. If you go to a podiatrist, foot specialist or chiropodist, be sure to tell this doctor that you have diabetes. If your toes overlap or are pushed close together, separate them with lamb's wool.
Remove your shoes for short periods when you can. Do not wear bedroom slippers when you should wear shoes. Slippers do not give proper support. Do not step on the floor or go outside with bare feet. Wear shoes of soft leather that fit but are not tight. Break in new shoes gradually 1 hour a day. Use cotton bed socks if you need extra warmth for your feet when you are in bed to sleep, but do not use hot water bottles or electric heating pads. Don't burn your feet! Electric blankets are okay. Do not wear garters or sit with your legs crossed. Either will decrease circulation to your feet, and the circulation may already be less than normal because of the effect diabetes may have on your blood vessels.
Wear thin socks of cotton and not wool to prevent moisture, which stimulates germs that cause athlete's foot or other skin infections. Wear clean socks that you change at least once a day. Do not wear loose socks with raised seams.
Call Your Doctor If
An infection on the foot does not heal. Feet are persistently cold. Corns or calluses occur despite preventive measures. Pain or cramps occur in the legs or feet. Itching. Its been more than a year since you had your feet inspected.
They might just save your feet, your leg, or even your life!
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