How to Prevent Diabetes Foot Problems
Diabetes presents certain problems and issues for millions of individuals, including children, teens, adults and senior citizens. Cuts, infections or injuries to the feet may lead to a multitude of complications that may result in slow-healing ulcers, gangrene and even the need for amputation.Diabetics are especially susceptible to foot problems that result from poor circulation, slower healing processes and nerve damage and must take extra special care of their foot health in order to prevent such complications.
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Instructions
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Wash your feet on a daily basis and examine the skin on the top, sides and bottom of the feet for any scratches, cuts or bruises. This will help to ensure that you are aware of the condition of your feet and may seek early treatment if such cuts don't heal within a few days. Basically, check your feet every day for changes in skin condition, and don't forget to check the back of the heel.
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Dry feet thoroughly after bathing. This will help to prevent skin irritations and to make sure that areas between the toes have been adequately dried. Coat the feet in lotion at least once a week in winter and more often in summertime to keep the feet soft and prevent cracking.
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Look at your toenails. Are they hard and brittle? If so, apply lanolin lotion or another cream around and under the nails for several days after soaking the feet.
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Take special care when trimming toenails. When seeking the services of a manicurist or need a pedicure, make sure to mention to the professional that you are a diabetic. That goes for visits to a podiatrist as well. Watch to make sure he or she trims the toenail straight across and does not cut along the sides of the nail or into the cuticle, as this may cause slow-healing injuries.
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Wear protective shoes at all times, even when indoors. It is very important that diabetics receive adequate support and protection in order to prevent diabetes foot problems.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that your feet are well protected and moisturized in order to prevent cracking, cuts or deep bruises that may take weeks to heal. Diabetic foot care is essential to happy, healthy feet.
If left untreated, open sores or cuts on the feet of elderly diabetics often leads to infection, gangrene and even amputation of foot or leg. At the first sign of a non-healing wound, immediately seek medical attention.
