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Diabetes is a medical condition that can cause you so many health issues! Feet problems are among the most common side effects of diabetes. A whopping 70 per cent of diabetes sufferers develop neuropathy, nerve damage that usually occurs in the feet. When nerves in your feet aren’t working, you may injure yourself or suffer wounds without even noticing that. Medical doctors at Scheffel Foot Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, put together this guide, with the purpose of helping people with diabetes take better care of their feet and minimize such incidents that can escalate to severe problems.
1. Keep Tabs On Your Blood Sugar Levels
Even though you may think there’s no connection between your blood glucose levels and the health of your feet, these two are directly related. Working closely with your medical doctor to monitor and regulate blood sugar levels will help you maintain the health of your feet, as well. If you do care about keeping your feet in good standing for as long as possible, don’t overlook blood sugar monitoring and control.
2. Check Your Feet Daily
When you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, you’re prone to injuring your feet without being aware of that. This is why you should check your feet daily to seek for signs of injury. If you notice swelling, cuts, bruises, blisters, bleeding or even red spots, consider scheduling an appointment with your podiatrist right away. Don’t overlook the bottoms of your feet. If needed, use a mirror to examine them thoroughly, as well.
3. Maintain Perfect Foot Hygiene
Wash your feet every day, even if you don’t want to take a shower daily. When your feet get dirty, they are more prone to getting infected, should you injure yourself without knowing it. This is why you need to pay close attention to cleanliness. Furthermore, make sure you dry your feet properly after you wash them. Pay special attention to between the toes, as that’s an area where infections frequently occur. When you apply body lotion, avoid the area between the toes.
4. Buy And Wear Proper Shoes
The Orthotic Shop advises that diabetic neuropathy sufferers should always wear some kind of shoes. Poor nerve function may result in not becoming aware when you step over a sharp stone or something similar. Also, we live in a relatively cold climate, so make sure you wear proper footwear to keep you warm and safe. Always wear shoes and socks. Don’t walk barefoot inside your house. You need slippers to protect your feet from injuries, take a look at the range at the Orthotic Shop. Always check your shoes before putting them on, in order to ensure there’s nothing sharp inside them.
5. Make Sure Your Blood Flows Properly At All Times
When your nerves are damaged because of diabetes, you may not feel the tingling sensation that occurs when feet “fall asleep.” Poor blood flow to the feet could worsen your condition by further damaging the nerves. In order to prevent such things, make sure you prop your feet on something while sitting and move your toes and ankles from time to time. Don’t cross your legs while sitting, as that could cut off blood flow.
