One out of four people with diabetes will have foot problems. Taking extra care of your feet now will be well worth it for your long-term health. Combine your own care with the help of a foot doctor or podiatrist and potential problems can be controlled.
See your doctor regularly
Numbness due to nerve damage, called neuropathy, is the most common problem. Simple injuries that might cause little more than a brief "ouch" for most people can become serious if this numbness develops.
Visit your doctor at regular intervals. Some simple and painless tests will tell you and your doctor if numbness or bad circulation may be a problem. Doctors can detect numbness long before you will. Your doctor will set a schedule for these check-ups and it is important for you to stick to that schedule.
Check your feet
Make it a habit to look closely at your feet every day. If you develop numbness in your feet, you have to use your eyes to do what your sense of touch would normally do for you. Do not let small injuries become big ones. Look for:
- Signs of injury: Sores or cuts, red spots or bruises, blisters, swelling, and sore or infected toenails
- Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet if necessary. If you have family members around, ask them for help.
- Call your doctor immediately if you find injuries to your feet that do not begin healing in one day.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Make sure to wash your feet every day.
- Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water: Use your hand or elbow to test the temperature. Don't test it with your feet because numbness may reduce your ability to feel if the water is too hot (or too cold).
- After washing, dry your feet well including between your toes.
- Avoid soaking your feet because it will make your skin too dry.
- Use lotion after drying your feet. Rub a small amount into the skin on top and the bottom of your feet. Don't use lotion between your toes. In time, it could cause dampness, which leads to sores or infections.
- Use talcum powder or a mild foot powder between your toes to keep them dry.
- Trim your nails when necessary, after you have washed and dried your feet. Always cut straight across. Do not cut toward the corner of the nail. This helps you avoid ingrown nails.
- Never rip or tear hangnails. This can cause small sores that easily become infected.
Protect yourself with shoes and socks
Even in your home, do not walk around barefoot. There are too many things you could step on, even small things. There is a danger an injury might go unnoticed.
- Wear seamless socks or stockings. The kinds designed to pull moisture away from the skin are best.
- Wear good shoes. Shoes with thicker soles protect against rocks and other sharp objects on the ground. If they are a style you like, you'll be more likely to wear them.
- Get a good fit. Make sure shoes are comfortable. Ask for help at the shoe store so you get a good fit. Wear new shoes no more than two hours a day to prevent blisters. Many doctors suggest changing your shoes a couple of times a day to keep your feet dry and blister-free.
- Keep your feet cool enough. Because you may not be able to feel the actual temperature of your feet, wear shoes on the hot beach or pavement to prevent even minor injuries from the heat. Avoid warming your feet by the fire or using heating pads and hot water bottles.
- Keep your feet warm enough. Frostbite is particularly dangerous if you have diabetes, so when it's cold out wear warm socks. If you are going to be outside for extended times, lined boots are highly recommended. Find ways to check your feet or limit your time outside to prevent frostbite.
Exercise wisely
To protect your feet while staying active:
- Wear protective footwear like athletic or walking shoes.
- Avoid exercises that involve running, jumping or heavy impact. Consider exercise like walking, biking or swimming that place less stress on the feet.
- Flex your feet. When you're sitting down at home, put your feet up and exercise your feet by wiggling your toes for a few minutes and then flexing your foot at the ankle. Both will help with blood circulation.
Last modified
04/22/08
