Two Important Factors In Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to manage, and its impact on your feet can be serious or even life-threatening. Knowing how to care for your feet when you have diabetes can reduce the incidence of injury or simple problems turning into an amputation.

Footwear

If possible, you should buy shoes from specialty retailers. Not only do they have a wide range of styles, but they often have sizes that are difficult to find and shoes for special foot concerns. When purchasing sneakers, choose ones made from a firmer material. This will afford you some protection, reducing the chance of injuring your toes. Choose shoes with a wide and deep toe box so your toes can't rub against the shoe. Sneakers specifically marketed as walking shoes often have more support and heel stabilization.

You should own at least two pairs of shoes so you are not wearing the same shoes on consecutive days. This will give your shoes a chance to air out before putting them on again. You may want to invest in diabetic socks. These socks are designed to be looser-fitting to prevent the fabric from digging into your skin. Any sock that fits well and expands if you experience swelling is ideal. You should also choose socks that absorb moisture to keep your feet drier.

Foot Care

Routine foot care is critical for people with diabetes to prevent problems or at least catch them when they are easier to treat. Part of foot care is doing daily foot checks. You will want to make sure there are no toenails digging into your skin. Check for anything that looks like an injury or ulcer formation. If you notice any problems, make an appointment with your podiatrist promptly. How you care for your feet each day will depend on your unique situation. Ideally, you should follow the advice of your podiatrist. If they tell you to come in for toenail trimming, abide by their recommendation because trimming your own nails might lead to significant problems.

If your podiatrist is comfortable with you trimming your own nails, you should know how to trim them appropriately. Use a nail trimmer designed for toenails, especially thicker nails. You may also need a trimmer with a thick handle if you have problems with dexterity or grip strength. Just trim your nails straight across a little at a time. It's always better to take a small amount off at a time than risk cutting too much and injuring your toes. If you have corns or calluses, your podiatrist might recommend certain nail tools to file them. Emery boards or a pumice stone might be gentler than a metal file. You need to keep your feet clean and dry. If your feet get wet during the day, make sure to take off your shoes and socks and allow your feet to dry, paying special attention to between your toes.

Foot problems are among the most common threats to people with diabetes. Since your feet are prone to neuropathy and injury, it is important to follow your podiatrist's recommendation and take time for routine foot care. For more information on diabetic foot care, contact a professional near you.

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