Wazzup Pilipinas!
Good foot care is essential for everyone. It is especially important, however, if you have lost feeling in your feet as a result of diabetes. If you experience numbness or a loss of sensation, you should talk to your doctor to learn more about the underlying cause. They may refer you to a podiatrist for help.
If you want to start taking better care of your feet, the tips below should help. By putting these suggestions into action, you can keep your feet healthy and strong for many years to come.
Visit The Doctor Annually
At least once a year, you should have your feet examined by a doctor to make sure that there are no problems that need to be addressed. If you notice an issue with your feet before it is time for your annual checkup, however, you should make an appointment to have the problem looked at right away. It is better to deal with potential problems immediately rather than letting them go.
Find Out About Any Risks
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you need to take special steps to protect your feet. Most diabetics fall into a high-risk category for developing foot problems. Along with providing you with information on how to prevent common problems, they should also give you the name of a podiatrist who can help you deal with any current issues that you may be having. Find out what signs and symptoms you should watch for so that you can notice and deal with any problems right away.
Examine Your Feet On A Daily Basis
If you have diabetes, it is important to
examine your feet on a daily basis. Checking your feet is the best way to spot problems before they get out of hand.
Try checking your feet at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit. For instance, in the morning before you put your socks on, closely examine your feet, keeping your eyes open for any changes. If you notice a problem, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
If it is hard for you to see the soles of your feet, lay a mirror on the ground and use that to examine them. If your eyesight isn't good enough to see any problems in the mirror, you can also ask a family member or friend to help you examine your feet. If none of these solutions work, you may need to talk to your doctor to come up with a plan for how you can check your feet for problems on your own.
Use Extra Caution If You Have A Loss Of Sensation
If you have lost feeling in your feet, it is especially important to examine them closely for problems. You should also keep them covered as much as possible. Walking around barefoot is a surefire recipe for disaster when you can't feel the ground underfoot.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell whether or not you have actually lost sensation in your feet. Again, this is where a doctor can help. Having your feet professionally evaluated can help you identify areas where you may no longer have feeling in your feet.
Use Care When Trimming Your Toenails
Trimming your toenails may not seem like a big deal. However, if you have a health condition like diabetes that affects your feet, a small injury can lead to a major problem.
As a general rule of thumb, you should keep your toenails neatly trimmed. However, try to avoid cutting them too short and don't cut into the side of the nail. Use nail clippers to trim them. Then, file any rough edges away with an emery board. Instead of scraping underneath them to remove any dirt, use the bristles of a brush.
Washing your feet can help remove any dirt from your feet and toenails, helping to minimize the risk of infection. Warm, soapy water is all you need. Just make sure to test the water before submersing your feet. Otherwise, you may not be able to tell whether or not it is too hot. Avoid soaking your feet in the water so that they don't become waterlogged.
Again, if you don't have feeling in your feet or if you are concerned about how to properly care for your toenails, it is worth making an appointment with a podiatrist. They can help advise you on how to take better care of your feet.
Avoid Using Corn Plasters Or Blades On Your Skin
Never use products that could damage the skin on your feet such as blades or
corn plasters. Any type of damage could lead to infection. If you have hard skin, you may be able to use a pumice stone to remove it. However, you still need to use extreme caution. Typically, the best bet is to talk to a podiatrist if you have thick, rough skin on your feet or other types of foot problems.
Applying an emollient cream is a great way to keep your feet healthy and moisturized. It is important to apply it in the right way, however. Avoid getting any cream in between your toes. The same holds true for foot powder. If you get excess powder between your toes, it could make your skin too dry.
Wear Shoes And Socks That Fit Properly
Shoes and socks can be problematic if they are too loose or too tight.
When shopping for shoes and socks, make sure that you get a good fit. Ill-fitting shoes that rub on your feet or that are too tight can lead to foot injuries, as can holey socks or socks that have thick, stiff seams.
When looking for shoes, there are a few important features that you should look for. First, you should make sure the shoes are wide enough for your feet. The toe area of the shoe should be rounded, ensuring that your toes have room to move without being squished together. Avoid high heels in favor of flats. Shoes that buckle or lace are ideal since they can be adjusted to fit perfectly on your feet. A lot of people enjoy
Instride shoes and find them comfortable.
Again, this is another area where a podiatrist can help. They can evaluate your feet and make shoe recommendations based on the size and shape of your feet as well as your lifestyle.
Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
Keeping your
blood sugar in check can help minimize the risk of foot problems developing or worsening.
Of course, sometimes it isn't easy to get control over your blood sugar. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered including your diet, your activity level, and your medication. Stress can also interfere with your treatment routine.
If you are having trouble keeping your blood sugar values in the proper range, it is worth meeting with a specialist to discuss your treatment plan. They can help you evaluate areas where you may be able to make changes to get better control over your numbers.
You may also want to consider seeking support from other people who suffer from diabetes. There are a lot of groups out there that you can join where you can get advice, support, and guidance.
Try To Quit Smoking
The fact that smoking is bad for your health is something that everyone knows. For diabetics, however, the risk is even higher.
Smoking interferes with proper circulation, keeping your blood from flowing the way that it should through your entire body. This includes your feet. If you smoke and have diabetes, your risk of having to have a foot amputated dramatically increases.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
