For Healthy Feet: Skip The Soak
Soaking your feet may feel soothing and seem smart, but it isn't necessary — and it can be dangerous. In fact, if you have dry skin on your feet, they should never be soaked. Prolonged soaking opens small cracks in your skin where germs can get in. That's how infections get started. Soaking also removes your natural skin oils. Repeatedly wetting and drying your feet can worsen dry skin problems, especially if you don't replenish lost moisture afterwards. For these reasons, soaking is not recommended. From a health point of view, the risks of soaking your feet outweigh the benefits. If you're a diehard fan of foot baths and can't give them up, save them for when you don't have any wounds on your feet. Make sure the water isn't too hot, and don't let your feet stay submerged for too long (they shouldn't shrivel). Use a moisturizing lotion afterwards. Continue reading >>
Should People With Diabetes Soak Their Feet In Epsom Salt?
People with diabetes need to be aware that a potential complication is foot damage. Often this is caused by nerve damage and poor circulation. Over time both conditions might be caused by high blood glucose levels. In order to lower the risk of foot damage, you need to take good care of your feet. Some prefer to soak their feet in Epsom salt. But people with diabetes should not do this. Soaking the feet if you have diabetes might raise the risk of foot issues. Before you decide to soak the feet in Epsom salts, make sure to consult your doctor. Epsom salt scientifically is known as magnesium sulfate. It is actually a mineral compound which comes with different uses. Epsom salt is a common home remedy for different problems and has beauty and health benefits. Boosts the levels of sulfate and magnesium in the body Provides relief from itches caused by poison ivy and sunburn In order to understand why individuals with diabetes should not soak their feet in Epsom salt, it is vital to understand how the condition itself might affect the feet. High blood glucose levels can lead to damage to the nerves in the body. This is known as neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is actually the most common type of neuropathy for individuals with diabetes. It is a damage of the nerves which serve the arms and legs. As a consequence, individuals with diabetes might lose feeling in their feet. As a matter of fact, it is common for individuals with diabetes not to feel cold, pain or heat in their feet or legs. Some people cannot even notice when they have a blister or sore on their feet. In fact, open sores might easily become infected. Increased blood glucose levels aid to feed the infection in open wounds which makes it worse. Due to poor circulation, the healing of the sores might be difficu Continue reading >>
Vinegar For Feet Diabetes
Legionella Testing Lab - High Quality Lab Results CDC ELITE & NYSDOH ELAP Certified - Fast Results North America Lab Locations legionellatesting.com It is very common to have some of feet problems when you are diabetic patient. You may suffer from sore and swelled feet, stinky feet, have warts, corns and calluses on feet, burning feet and other painful things happens with your feet. Intense feet care is very important in case of suffering from diabetes. You need to be very careful for your feet care on daily basis to avoid all these painful problems and discomforts of feet. You may rely on medicated products and ingredients to use for feet care. However, vinegar is such an excellent ingredient that is very effective in healing all feet problems faced by diabetic patients. Diabetic patients need to have this amazing ingredient every time at their homes to use for feet care and treatment. It is easily available, cheap and most convenient to use for multiple feet related problems and discomforts. Vinegar foot bath and foot soak treatment is one of the best home remedy to protect your feet from fungi and bacteria and other painful problems of feet like sore and swelled feet, stinky feet, calluses and corns on feet. Vinegar can stop growing bacteria and fungi in toenails and feet and can make you have clean, relaxed and smooth skin of feet. Vinegar foot soak or foot bath recipes are prepared in different ways i.e. using/adding different other ingredients with vinegar like essential oils, herbs, salts and some of medicated products. You can make any of good vinegar foot soak recipe using vinegar and any of other ingredients. Adding other ingredients would by your own choice as vinegar itself is sufficient to provide your feet with intense care and treatment for feet discomfor Continue reading >>
Can A Diabetic Use A Foot Spa?
For normal folks, foot spas are an awesome way to relax, melt away stress and get some therapeutic benefits too. But what if you have diabetes? Can a diabetic use a foot spa? The short and general answer is, sadly, No. If you have diabetes, soaking your foot for an extended period of time in warm or hot water is NOT recommended as diabetics have loss of feeling and sensation in their nerves and muscles. The problem with diabetic feet In the UK alone, 135 people a week undergo amputations due to diabetes. This can range from losing a toe or part of a foot in a minor amputation or having a foot or part of the leg totally cut off. The root cause is diabetics suffering from neuropathy or nerve damage. The symptoms are: loss of feeling or numbness pain or tingling wasting of the muscles Out of all the parts of the body, the feet are most affected by neuropathy because their nerves are the longest in the body. Loss of sensation is a huge problem. Pain is a signal for us when we hurt our body. If you can’t feel pain, you won’t know if your feet are already injured or hurt. Dr. Bresta Miranda-Palma of the Diabetes Research Institute recounts, “I’ve seen people walk on a nail for weeks until infection has developed.” When you have diabetic neuropathy, you are at risk for conditions ranging from sores, injuries, infections, and even gangrene. About 60 to 70% of those with diabetes are affected by neuropathy. You are at a higher risk for nerve disorders due to diabetes if you are older, have had it for longer, if you have problems controlling your blood sugar, or if you’re overweight. Why a diabetic should avoid foot soaks There are a handful of complications that can arise if a diabetic suffering from nerve damage, especially one who lives alone, soaks their feet for Continue reading >>
Can People With Diabetes Use Epsom Salts?
One common complication of diabetes is foot problems. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow which can result in serious foot problems. Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning, or stinging of the feet. It is important that people with diabetes take good care of their feet and are gentle with them. The tools and products that people use on their feet can significantly affect the overall health of their feet. This is especially true if they have nerve damage or the blood flow to their feet is greatly reduced. Many people commonly soak their feet in Epsom salt to soothe aches. For people with diabetes, however, soaking feet in Epsom salt is not ideal. What is Epsom salt? The scientific name for Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It is a mineral compound that has many different uses. Epsom salt has become a common home remedy for various problems and has several claimed health and beauty benefits. For many years, people have recommended soaking the feet or taking a bath in Epsom salt for various reasons. Potential reasons for doing so include: To soothe muscle aches and pain To help remove splinters To decrease swelling in the body To boost the body's levels of magnesium and sulfate The theory behind this product is that the body absorbs the magnesium from the Epsom salt through the skin. However, there are no studies that support this claim. While there is no evidence to support the benefits of Epsom salt, simply soaking in warm water can help with many of the issues listed above. Diabetes and foot complications To understand why people with diabetes should not soak in Epsom salt, it is important to know how diabetes can affect the feet. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves of the body. This is commonly refer Continue reading >>
Skip The Soak Are Foot Soaks Healthy For Diabetics? Doctors Say No
With doctor after doctor warning diabetic patients to take extra care of their feet, it might seem like common sense to indulge in soothing foot baths that cleanse, relax and soften the soles and toes. But contrary to popular belief, medical experts say that people with diabetes should actually avoid long foot soaks. What Are The Risks Involved With Foot Soaks? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Pretty much every podiatrist will tell you that soaking the feet can do wonders when it comes to removing corns, calluses and ingrown toenails — the very things that diabetic patients are supposed to keep from wreaking havoc on their feet. But at the same time, nearly all podiatrists will also warn that people with diabetes should refrain from the very same foot baths they recommend to other patients and instead resort to simple foot cleansing and gentle pumice stone removal of rough, callused areas. The reasons? Though many foot soaks can be ultra moisturizing, many actually zap the natural foot oils, which creates dry, cracked skin that leaves the feet vulnerable to sores and infections. Diabetics often have poor circulation, which makes the healing process of these wounds a very long or even impossible process. Prolonged water exposure leads to the skin wrinkling and breaking down, which also leaves the feet vulnerable to infections. Foot basins can harbor bacteria, which can then infect diabetic feet. Many diabetics also suffer from neuropathy, meaning they’re unable to feel temperature and pain in their feet. Mixing that with hot soaks could accidentally lead to serious burns. When Foot Soaks Are Okay For Diabetics Though foot soaks are generally not recommended for diabetics, there are a few exceptions when foot baths are accepted. Sometimes doctors will suggest Epsom salt and/or anti Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Foot Problems
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. You might be afraid you’ll lose a toe, foot, or leg to diabetes, or know someone who has, but you can lower your chances of having diabetes-related foot problems by taking care of your feet every day. Managing your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, can also help keep your feet healthy. How can diabetes affect my feet? Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Cuts and sores can become infected. Diabetes also can lower the amount of blood flow in your feet. Not having enough blood flowing to your legs and feet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal. Sometimes, a bad infection never heals. The infection might lead to gangrene. Gangrene and foot ulcers that do not get better with treatment can lead to an amputation of your toe, foot, or part of your leg. A surgeon may perform an amputation to prevent a bad infection from spreading to the rest of your body, and to save your life. Good foot care is very important to prevent serious infections and gangrene. Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot’s foot. Charcot’s foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.” What can I do to keep my feet healthy? Work with your health care team to make a diabetes self-care plan, which is an action plan for how you will manage your diabetes. Your plan should inclu Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Tips For Daily Foot Care
If you have diabetes, it's essential to make foot care part of your daily self-care routine. That's because "people can develop complications before they realize they even have a problem," says Bresta Miranda-Palma, MD, a professor with the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School. "I've seen people walk on a nail for weeks until infection has developed." When feet and legs have nerve damage, a small cut or wound can go unnoticed. That's why it's critical to check for problems before they get infected and lead to serious complications -- like gangrene or amputation. "Daily foot care is the most important thing," says Miranda-Palma. "About 85% of amputations can be prevented if the patient gets a wound treated in time." That means checking your feet daily and seeing a foot doctor (podiatrist) every two or three months in order to catch problems early. Daily Care you might like Wash and dry your feet with mild soap and warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, an area more prone to fungal infections. Use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking, but don't put the lotion between your toes. Do not soak feet, or you'll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can't feel that the water is too hot. Weekly Care Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. You can prevent ingrown toenails if you don't round the corners of the nails or cut down the sides. Smooth the nails with an emery board. Check the tops and bottoms of your feet, using a mirror if you need it; you can also ask someone else to check your feet for you. Also, be sure to get your feet examined at every doctor's visit. When examining your feet, look for Continue reading >>
Foot Care For Diabetics – Appendix D
Although not directly related to the normalization of blood sugars, this short but important section on foot care has been included because of the constant danger diabetes can present to the lower extremities. The incidence of limb-threatening ulcerations in diabetics is very high, affecting approximately one in six to seven patients. Nonhealing “diabetic” ulcers are the major cause of leg, foot, and toe amputations in this country, after traumatic injuries such as those occurring in motor vehicle accidents. These ulcerations do not occur spontaneously; they are always preceded by gradual or sudden injury to the skin by some external factor. Preventing such injuries can prevent their sad consequences. Virtually all diabetics who have experienced ongoing higher-than normal blood sugars for more than five years suffer some loss of sensitivity in their feet to pain, pressure, and temperature. This is because prolonged blood sugar elevation can injure and eventually destroy all sensory nerves in the feet (sensory neuropathy). Furthermore, the nerves that control the shape of the foot are likewise injured, with a resultant deformity that includes “claw” or “hammer” toes, high arch, and prominent heads of bones at the bases of the toes on the underside of the foot. The nerves that stimulate perspiration in the feet are also affected. This results in the classic dry, often cracked skin that we see on diabetic feet. Dry skin is both more easily damaged and slower to heal than is normal, moist skin, and cracks permit entry of infectious bacteria. Long term elevated blood sugar also may cause impairment of circulation in the major arteries of the legs, as well as in the minor arteries and small capillary blood vessels that supply the skin of the feet. In order to heal Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Epsom Salt – To Soak Or Not To Soak?
Epsom salt foot soaks are often encouraged for people with achy, tired feet. It is frequently used as a method to soothe aching muscles as well and may be added to a bath for pain relief. Some men and women even use Epsom salt as a source of magnesium supplementation. All of these uses are wonderful in their application, so why is Epsom salt not recommended for diabetes patients? This is due, in large part, to neuropathy and a lack of substantive proof that Epsom provides enough magnesium. What is Epsom salt? Epsom salt is a mineral compound whose scientific name is magnesium sulfate. Although it would seem that this alone is enough to warrant using it as a magnesium supplement, this particular format of magnesium is not easily absorbed. The “salt” is not actually salt, but a mineral with a texture similar to that of table salt. Epsom and Diabetes Epsom salt itself, while not an effective supplementation protocol, is not the greatest concern; instead, regular foot soaks are the real problem. For individuals without diabetes, a foot soak is a simple treat at the end of a long day. When diabetes is involved, however, a foot bath could lead to severe infection. A foot soak poses several problems, including the risk of drying feet out, compounding circulatory issues, and causing burns. Because diabetes increases the risk of developing neuropathy, the nerves in your feet and legs may not be functioning well enough to register dangerous temperatures which can cause burns. Neuropathy can also lead to an increased risk of dry, cracked feet and heels. Although this may seem to be a simple comfort or aesthetic problem, cracked feet can lead to serious infection. Because diabetes is often accompanied by poor circulation, your body cannot fight infection as effectively as those Continue reading >>
Foot Care For People With Diabetes
Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education website. How does diabetes affect my body? Diabetes makes your blood sugar level higher than normal. A high blood sugar level can damage your blood vessels and nerves. Damage to the blood vessels in your feet may mean that your feet get less blood. Damage to the nerves may cause you to lose some of the feeling (sensation) in your feet. Why should I worry about my feet? People with diabetes often have foot problems. Part of the problem is that if you have any loss of feeling in your feet, it's hard to tell if you have a blister or sore. Sores may take a long time to heal. If foot sores aren't taken care of, you might get a foot ulcer (a very serious, deep sore). If the ulcer then gets infected, you may need to go to the hospital for treatment or even have part of your foot amputated (removed). The good news is that with proper care you can help prevent foot problems. How should I care for my feet to avoid serious problems? Careful control of your blood sugar is the key to avoiding foot problems. It may help to monitor (check) your blood sugar level every day at home (this is called blood glucose self-monitoring). Be sure to follow your doctor's advice on diet, exercise and medicine. Here are some other things you can do to take care of your feet if you have diabetes: Check your feet daily. Call your doctor if you have redness, swelling, infection, prolonged pain, numbness or tingling in any part of a foot. Wash your feet every day with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry your fee Continue reading >>
How To Soak The Feet With Diabetes
If you are one of the 23.6 million Americans suffering from diabetes, you know about the importance of foot care. Circulation problems associated with diabetes make it difficult to detect small wounds on your feet. Because diabetics are especially vulnerable to infection, these small wounds can become infected easily. While meticulous foot hygiene is critical for a diabetic, soaking your feet can dry out the skin and can lead to skin infections warns the CDC. Instead of soaking your feet, follow these steps on a daily basis for quality foot cleaning and care. Wash your feet every day. Sit on the edge of the bathtub and use a washcloth and soap to scrub the bottoms of your feet and in between your toes. If unable to sit on the edge of the tub, sit comfortably in a chair and use a basin full of warm soapy water. Trim or file your toenails only after you’ve washed your feet. This is when the nail bed is softest and easiest to trim. Trim in the natural position of your toe. Avoid creating sharp edges that could irritate other toes. Dry your feet well. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is crucial for those with diabetes to thoroughly dry their feet. Use a towel and rub gently in between your toes and on the soles of your feet to absorb any remaining moisture. Apply hypoallergenic lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet. This will prevent them from becoming dry especially in the winter. Do not apply lotion in between your toes. Inspect the bottoms of your feet and in between your toes for sores, blisters or wounds. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or have someone help you. Small wounds can become serious quickly, so contact your doctor immediately if you find any damaged skin. Continue reading >>
47 Podiatrists Share Tips On Good Foot Care For Those With Diabetes
Here is exactly what we asked our panel of experts: What tips would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed? Why do you think a lot of people ignore their foot care when it comes to diabetes? Featured Answer Dr. Ira H. Kraus, President, American Podiatric Medical Association A1: The most important tip I would give to anyone newly diagnosed with diabetes is to include a podiatrist in your care team. That may seem like a self-serving tip! But independent studies show that when a podiatrist is involved in caring for a person with diabetes, that person’s risk of hospitalization and diabetes-related amputations goes down dramatically. Seeing a podiatrist once a year can help you prevent diabetic ulcers, and if you do develop an ulcer, seeing a podiatrist can help reduce the risk of amputation by up to 80 percent. I would also suggest that people newly diagnosed with diabetes simply pay close attention to their feet. Prevention can be the key. Watch your feet daily for any changes, and if you see something that concerns you, get in to see your podiatrist as soon as possible! A2: A diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming. It comes with a lot of lifestyle changes and a lot of concerns. Our feet are literally the furthest things from our minds, so it’s not surprising that many people overlook them as they’re growing accustomed to living with diabetes. Also, many people don’t understand the serious complications diabetes can cause in the feet, and by the time they realize there’s a problem, it is a significant problem. People do not realize that simple things that they have been living with for years like: dry skin, athletes foot, skin fissures or calluses can lead to serious complications. The good news is that those small steps of examining your feet once a day and Continue reading >>
A Tipton And Noblesville Foot Doctor Talks About When It Makes Sense For Diabetics To Soak Their Feet And When They Should Not.
Diabetics are often instructed or advised not to soak their feet. This advise does not necessarily apply to all diabetics, and foot soaking for relaxation is a luxury that many diabetics can enjoy from time to time. However, some caution is advised to protect a diabetic's skin from unnecessary harm. Diabetes already causes skin to become dry due to the way excess blood sugar harms the functioning of the nerves that control sweat glands. The act of soaking the foot in water makes this dryness even worse by drawing out the skins natural lubricating oils. This is specially true of Epsom salts. While many assume soaking is moisturizing the foot, it is in actuality drying it even further. Therefore, soaking the feet can cause harm to a diabetic's skin if done frequently enough by making the skin drier and more likely to crack, develop wounds, and allow bacteria to enter the body. An occasional soak will not cause these things, but regularly soaking will. Diabetics with open wounds should not soak their feet unless directed to do so by the physician treating the wound. Our doctors occasionally use special types of soaking as a treatment for certain wounds or infections. However, the routine use of unsterile water in a bathtub, foot soaker, hot tub, or whirlpool may worsen some wounds and wound infections, and soaking in these instances should not be performed unless directed to by the physician treating the wound. Hot water soaking is discouraged in diabetics due to a potential for a diabetic to scald their own skin. Diabetes can limit one's ability to properly feel temperature with their feet and legs, and even if one feels the water temperature with their arms (the hands can have the same feeling loss) the foot skin can become damaged by the water since the discomfort of st Continue reading >>
Foot Care
Drugstore Do’s and Don’t’s Even with diabetes, your feet can last a lifetime, and they stand a better chance of doing so if you treat them with tender, loving care. That includes giving them a daily inspection for cuts and abrasions as well as asking your doctor to examine them periodically for any signs of nerve damage, such as loss of sensation, or reduced blood flow, such as coldness or hair loss on the feet and legs. The tools or products you use on your feet at home can have profound effects on their health, particularly if you have any degree of nerve damage or reduced blood flow in your feet. Using the right products can help to keep your skin – and feet – intact, while using the wrong ones can lead to breaks in the skin, which can allow bacteria to enter and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to foot ulcers. Here, then, is your guide to over-the-counter foot products, including some that are safe to use and some to avoid. Soap Washing your feet with warm or tepid water and soap every day keeps them clean and gives you a good chance to do that daily inspection. (If it’s hard to see your feet, run your fingers over them to feel for calluses or sore spots. The backs of your hands are sensitive to heat and can be run over your feet to find hot spots, which can indicate infection.) There must be at least 50 varieties of soap on the shelves of most drugstores – liquid soaps, solid bar soaps, scented soaps, unscented soaps, etc. Which to choose? In general, bar soaps are a better choice than liquid soaps, and soaps that have moisturizing lotion in them are the best choice of all. The compound in soap that gives it its lather is a fatty acid called lanolin, and the more lather, the softer the soap. In most cases, bar soaps have more lather than liquid. The Continue reading >>
