Caring for your feet when you have diabetes

People with diabetes need to get to know their feet like – well, like the back of their hand. That's because the high blood glucose levels common in diabetes can lead to two types of damage that spell trouble for the feet:

• blood vessel damage: Blood vessel damage can reduce blood flow to the feet, which can make the feet more vulnerable to ulcers and infection and make wounds slower to heal.
• nerve damage: The nerves that carry messages from the feet to the brain can be compromised by too much glucose in the blood. This nerve damage is called neuropathy. When that circuit is interrupted by nerve damage, your feet might have a burning, numbing, or tingling sensation, or you might not be able to sense pain. That sounds like a good thing until you realize that feeling pain is what signals you that problems are afoot.

So say you wear new shoes, and a callus develops underneath your foot. With nerve damage, you might never know that the callus is there at all. And a simple callus that goes undetected can grow into a deep sore, known as an ulcer. An ulcer that becomes infected is a serious condition. Add reduced blood circulation to the mix, and the healing process slows down. To compound the problem, glucose-rich blood provides plenty of food for germs, making infection even harder to fight off.

Left undetected or untreated, ulcers and other foot injuries can affect mobility, changing a person's weight distribution on their feet and boosting their risk of blisters and calluses. Infections can even advance to the point of gangrene. In fact, people with diabetes are at an elevated risk of foot or leg amputation compared to people without diabetes. Amputation is needed to prevent gangrene from spreading to other parts of the body.

Take steps to better foot care

Foot care actually starts far from your feet. Undoubtedly, the first and best strategy for healthy, happy feet is to manage your blood glucose levels. Keep your levels on target as often as possible, and you will minimize and even prevent the damage to your nerves and to your blood vessels. And smokers with diabetes, be advised: smoking decreases blood flow to your feet and can increase the risk of amputation.

Beyond blood sugar management and stopping smoking, there are several things you can do directly to manage your feet:

Go on a daily feet-scanning mission

Just like brushing your teeth or washing your face, checking your feet should be a part of your everyday routine.

• Check all sides of your feet – tops, bottoms, the toes, in between the toes, on the heels. You're searching for any sign of potential trouble: ingrown toenails, cuts, cracking or dry skin, calluses, blisters, sores, corns, or warts.
• Changes in skin temperature could also signal developing ulcers.
• You can do your scan in the bath or shower, in bed, wherever it's easiest for you to see your feet well.
• For those with mobility issues or who cannot reach their feet, you can ask a friend or family member to help out. Some people use hand mirrors to get a better view of the bottoms of their feet.
• If you notice any changes or troubling marks, consult your physician, primary health care provider, or foot specialist. Do not attempt to self-treat injuries or infections – even something as seemingly minor as an ingrown toenail.

Treat your feet with care

When you have diabetes, keeping your feet clean is crucial. But the simple act of washing your feet becomes a little more involved.

• Wash your feet daily in warm water using a mild soap. This means wash – not soak. Soaking can dry the skin. And warm water - not hot or cold. Nerve damage may make it hard to tell how hot or cold the water is, so test the temperature with your hand or your elbow.
• Dry your feet well. Be gentle. Use a soft towel to pat dry and don't forget between your toes. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin too briskly.
• Moisturize your feet – your heels and soles – in the morning and at bedtime. Dry skin can crack and leave you susceptible to infection. Excess moisture also welcomes germs, so don't use too much lotion, and never apply it between the toes. Shake on unmedicated powder to minimize sweating.
• After a shower, your nails are softer, so that's the perfect time to tidy up your toenails. Trim nails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrowns. If your nails have grown too thick (e.g., due to fungal infection such as athlete's foot), you may need to have someone help you. Be sure to file any sharp edges using an emery board.

Keep them covered

Something as straightforward as putting on your shoes and socks presents potential problems.

• Before slipping your feet into your shoes, look into each shoe and use your hand to feel around inside. You never know when a stray pebble, thumbtack, or paperclip could be awaiting your foot.
• Buying new shoes? Since feet swell through the day, it's best to shop for shoes late in the afternoon.
• Choose shoes that fit properly, that don't rub blisters, that provide cushioning, and that encourage even distribution of weight across the foot. Flip-flops, sandals, or peep-toe, pointy-toed, high-heeled, or worn-out shoes are not recommended.
• Once you have a new pair of shoes, allow time to break them in. During the first few weeks, wear them for only 1 to 2 hours at a time.
• Socks rock. Always wear socks or stockings to keep feet from sweating too much or rubbing blisters. Switch your socks daily, and opt for looser-fitting ones that are not tight around the ankles. Wear white coloured socks when possible so that you can clearly see any fluid from cuts or sores.
• Wear socks made of moisture-wicking material (such as acrylic fibres) to let your feet breathe. These materials let sweat evaporate and lower your risk of fungal feet infections.
• Never go barefoot! Wear slippers or shoes at all times when you will be walking around, even indoors.
• Keep your toes and ankles moving throughout the day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.

Have your health care provider perform periodic foot check-ups

Most physicians and primary health care providers know that foot care is a priority for people with diabetes, but you can advocate for your own two feet, too.

• Remove your shoes and socks when you're waiting for your health care provider. This way, neither of you can forget about your feet.
• Don't be foot-shy. If you have a question or concern, speak up.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Diabetes-Self-Care