How Should I Care For My Feet If I Have Diabetes?
You can do the following to take care of your feet if you are diabetic: Wash your feet in warm water every day: Make sure the water is not too hot, by testing the temperature with your elbow. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes. Look at your feet every day to check for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other problems: Checking every day is even more important if you have nerve damage or poor blood flow. If you cannot bend over or pull your feet up to check them, use a mirror. If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet. If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them: Do not put lotion between your toes. File corns and calluses gently with an emery board or a pumice stone: Do this after your bath or shower. Cut your toenails once a week or when needed: Cut toenails when they are soft from washing. Cut them to the shape of the toe and not too short. File the edges with an emery board. Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters: Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that are too tight below your knee. Wear shoes that fit well: Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them for one to two hours each day for the first few weeks. Before putting on your shoes, feel the insides to make sure they have no sharp edges or objects that might injure your feet. This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ira M. Baum, DPM, a podiatrist on the Baptist Hospital medical staffs says that, if you have diabetes, many amputations can be prevented by proper daily foot care and periodic examination by a podiatrist Continue reading >>
Diabetes And The Feet
Foot care is an ongoing issue for diabetics. Avoiding foot problems, dealing with minor issues before they become major, and preventing serious infections that could lead to amputation, are all concerns. For all the recent progress in wound care and intervention, prevention is still the best place to begin. Diabetes, over a period of time, can cause circulatory damage and neuropathy, both of which can affect condition of the feet. Because of impaired circulation, the body's ability to heal itself is diminished. Minor traumas, that might otherwise heal quickly, persist and can become infected. Diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage, can impair an individual's ability to detect foot problems. Because it doesn't hurt, you don't intervene, and small problems escalate into big ones. The best place to start is with your shoes and socks. Proper fit is essential! Do not compromise--you have too much to lose. Make sure the shoe is wide enough, and don't let it pinch your toes. Shoes that "breathe," (either leather or running shoes) are best. Avoid sandals, especially those with a thong between the toes. Socks should be seamless, athletic type, of cotton or one of the new fibers like "Thorlo". Before putting your shoes on (and after you take them off), inspect your feet. You are looking for anything out of the ordinary, anything that might escalate from irritant into infection. Be thorough! Blisters, bunions, corns, splinters, raw or discolored patches, ingrown toenails, even "athlete's foot" fungus can require action. Don't assume it will go away by itself! When in doubt, consult your podiatrist. Sight is not necessary to carry out daily foot inspections. Much can be revealed by feel and smell. You are looking for change, anything that shouldn't be there, or that wasn't there before. Continue reading >>
Why Can't Diabetic People Put Lotion In Between Their Toes?!?!? | Yahoo Answers
Why can't diabetic people put lotion in between their toes?!?!? My grandmother is diabetic, and I read in one of her magazines that diabetics aren't supposed to put lotion between their toes. It didn't really explain why so can someone clarify? Are you sure you want to delete this answer? Best Answer: We ask diabetics not to put lotion in between their toes because 1) There is already plenty of moisture in between the toes 2) Adding more moisture to the area can cause the skin to macerate (kinda like when you get wrinkly from being in the tub too long) to the point where fissures or breaks will form in the skin. These breaks in the skin can lead to infection. Infection in between the toes can become a serious problem leading to gangrene or worse if the person does not have proper circulation, nerve sensation, and/or a compromised immune system (all of which are known complications of diabetes (I'm not saying all diabetics have these complications, of course.)) Many times, scaling or flaking of the skin is a result of skin that is too moist and covered up, or as a result of athlete's foot, which likes moist, dark, places. The skin may dry quickly when you take your shoes and socks off, but may be moist with them on. American Diabetes Association Guide to Foot Care: Source(s): Podiatrist (foot doctor) and Type 1 diabetic of 30+ years who uses lotion on his feet but does not put it in between his toes. I am writing to tell you what an incredible impact these methods had on my life! I have had type 2 diabetes for 27 years. For me, the worst part of this horrible disease is the severe pain I constantly get in my feet. The pain is so bad that I avoid standing and walking as much as possible. I've got to tell you that within the first month, my feet stopped hurting altogether 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 >>
Diabetes: Foot & Skin Related Complications: Prevention
Overview Management and Treatment Prevention Can foot problems associated with diabetes be prevented? Proper foot care can help prevent these common foot problems and/or treat them before they cause serious complications. Here are some tips for good foot care: Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your healthcare providers advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood glucose level within the range recommended by your health care provider. Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses or any of the other problems listed above. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to do a daily foot check. If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. Your health care provider can tell you which type of lotion is best to use. Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. Move the emery board in only one direction. Check your toenails once a week. Trim your toenails with a nail clipper straight across. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails. After clipping, smooth the toenails with an emery board. Always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers. Do not wear sandals. Do not walk barefoot, even around the house. Always wear socks or stockings. Wear socks or stockings that fit your feet well and have soft elastic. Wear shoes that fit well. Buy shoes made of canvas or leather, and break them in slowly. Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Wear Continue reading >>
Diabetic Foot Care
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. If necessary, get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Here’s some basic advice for taking care of your feet: Always keep your feet warm. Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain. Don’t put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet. Don’t soak your feet. Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office. Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion between your toes. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Wear loose socks to bed. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter. When drying your feet, pat eac Continue reading >>
11 Foot Care Tips For Type 2 Diabetes
Your feet might be the last thing on your mind when you're trying to control diabetes. But high blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet as well as elsewhere in the body, and the risks to foot health increase if you also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, says Holly Bertram, RN, a diabetes nurse educator with St. Mary’s Health System in Evansville, Indiana. If you have nerve damage, you may experience numbness or loss of feeling in your feet. As a result you may not feel blisters, cuts, or other wounds on your feet right away, which can give them time to worsen. Even small cuts and sores can become infected if left untreated. Foot health awareness and good foot care can reduce the risk of amputation by as much as 85 percent, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which states that 65,000 lower-limb amputations occur each year because of diabetes complications. Despite those numbers, fewer than one in three adults with diabetes saw a foot doctor in the past year as is recommended, according to data released by the National Center for Health Statistics. To protect your feet from diabetes complications, practice prevention with these smart steps for foot care: 1. Maintain good blood sugar control. Achieving blood-sugar targets helps to protect your feet. Just how strong is this link? People with diabetes who have a higher A1C level are at greater risk of lower-limb amputation, according to data on more than 35,000 adults published in the November 2013 issue of the journal Diabetes Care. 2. Check your feet every day. “Examining both feet, including the bottom of the foot and between the toes, every day in the morning and evening is recommended,” says Michael Palladino, DPM, a podiatrist and assistant professor in the departme Continue reading >>
Foot Care When You Have Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
For people with diabetes, the smallest blister, bug bite or foot sore could lead to a difficult-to-heal foot infection, a skin ulcer and even the possibility of amputation. Risks are high – with diabetes, your lifetime risk for a foot ulcer is 25%.1 And between 9 and 20% of foot ulcers lead to amputations in the US..2 The causes: Nerve damage due to peripheral diabetic neuropathy that can rob you of protective skin sensations plus circulation problems and high blood sugar that can interfere with rapid healing. That is why diabetes experts recommend that everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes protect their feet with daily foot checks, smart choices in socks and shoes, and comprehensive foot exams by a healthcare practitioner at least once a year. These strategies could save your feet: In one study of 352 people with diabetes from the Regenstrief Institute for Health Care in Indianapolis, those who learned and practiced good self-care for their feet for a year were 59% less likely to have a serious foot wound than those who didn’t .3 And they’re recommended for everyone with diabetes, not just people who already know they have nerve damage. The reason? Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause a dangerous loss of protective sensation before you realize it. In an Australian study of 32 people with diabetes, researchers found that just one in four could detect a foot injury like a small blister -- but 78% of study volunteers thought their feet were still sensitive to small problems.4 An Easy Plan To Help Protect Your Feet Do a Daily Foot Check. Sit down, take off your shoes and socks and check the top, bottom and all parts of the toes of both feet every day. Use a mirror or ask your spouse or partner to help if you have trouble seeing all areas of your feet. Check for Continue reading >>
Improving Foot Care
With diabetes, nonhealing foot ulcers are the leading cause of infection and amputation. Prevention is key. Check your feet daily to decrease your risk of foot problems. Foot care is even more important for those who have: Loss of feeling in the feet Changes in the shape of the feet Sores or ulcers that do not heal. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease suggests following these steps to prevent foot problems: 1. Control your diabetes. Make healthy lifestyle choices to help keep your blood sugar levels controlled. Work with your healthcare team to make a plan that fits your lifestyle best. 2. Check your feet every day. You may not be aware that you have... Foot Care People with diabetes are at higher risk for foot problems. People who have had diabetes for many years and those whose blood sugar is not controlled, are at highest risk. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels. Weakened blood vessels result in poor blood flow to the lower parts of the legs and feet. This causes slow healing of injuries. Diabetes can also affect the nerves in the feet. This reduces the ability to feel cuts, sores or blisters on the feet. For people with nerve damage, it is possible for a foot to become injured. A foot injury can become badly infected without any pain or discomfort. Daily foot care and attention to foot injuries can prevent serious problems and most amputations... Non-Healing Foot Ulcers Nerve damage to the feet (neuropathy) is a major risk factor for foot ulcers. Non-healing foot ulcers can lead to infection and amputation. A minor foot sore can become very serious for a person with diabetes. Damaged sensory nerves cause loss of feeling in the feet. When there is loss of feeling or pain, foot injuries can occur. What causes foot ulcers? When the mo Continue reading >>
Can You Use Epsom Salts If You Have Diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you should be aware of foot damage as a potential complication. Foot damage is often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage. Both of these conditions can be caused by high blood sugar levels over time. Taking good care of your feet can help lower your risk of foot damage. Although some people soak their feet in Epsom salt baths, this home remedy isn’t recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking your feet may raise your risk of foot problems. Talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in Epsom salts. Epsom salt is also called magnesium sulphate. It’s a mineral compound that’s sometimes used as a home remedy for sore muscles, bruises, and splinters. In some cases, people add Epsom salt to baths or tubs to soak in. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath. Soaking your feet may actually increase your risk of foot problems. It’s recommended that you wash your feet every day, but you shouldn’t soak them. Soaking can dry out your skin. This can cause cracks to form and lead to infections. Some people may recommend Epsom salts as a magnesium supplement. Instead, you should look for magnesium supplements designed for oral use. Check the vitamin and supplement aisle at your local pharmacy. People with diabetes often have low levels of magnesium, a mineral that plays an important role in your body. Research suggests that oral magnesium supplements may help improve blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in some people with diabetes. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, avoid using Epsom salt footbaths. If you’re interested in oral magnesium supplements, ask your doctor for more information. They can help you assess the potential benefits and risks of taking them. They can also recommend a Continue reading >>
Diabetes Foot Care
If you have diabetes, it's essential to make foot care part of your daily routine. People with diabetes can develop complications before they realise they even have a problem. 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 - such as gangrene or amputation. Diabetes UK says around 80% of the more than 7,000 diabetes-related amputations in England every year are preventable. Make sure your diabetes specialist examines your feet during each check-up. An annual foot examination should be performed which should include an inspection of the skin - they may check for redness or warmth of the skin. The examination is also to check for pulses and the temperature of your feet and an assessment of sensation of the foot. How can diabetes affect my feet? Diabetes can cause two main problems that can affect your feet: Diabetic neuropathy. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage your nerves. If you have damaged nerves in your legs and feet, you might not feel heat, cold, or pain. This lack of feeling is called sensory diabetic neuropathy. If you do not feel a cut or sore on your foot because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected. The muscles of the foot may not function properly because the nerves that make the muscles work, are damaged. This could cause the foot to not align properly and create too much pressure in one area of the foot. It is estimated that up to 10% of people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers. Foot ulcers occur because of nerve damage and peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Diabetes also affects the flow of blood. Without good blood flow it takes longer for a sore or cut to heal. Poor b 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 >>
Diabetic Foot Care Fact And Fiction
I know that foot care isnt the most exciting topic to read about. But foot care is a crucial part of diabetes self-management. Neglecting your feet can lead to serious problems down the road; even minor problems, such as a scratch, can lead to an infection or foot ulcer, which, if not caught and treated early on, can increase the risk of amputation. Not a cheery thought, for sure, but by paying a little attention to your feet on a daily basis and taking care of your diabetes at the same time, you can greatly lower your risk of developing problems. And since April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, what better time to start? This week, lets look at some facts as well as misunderstandings about foot care. Fact or Fiction: Only people who have high blood sugar levels should check their feet. Fiction. Everyone who has diabetes should get into the habit of checking their feet daily, no matter their HbA1c or blood sugar levels. Looking at your feet every day for cuts, sores, redness and swelling is time well spent to avoid serious issues down the road. Fact or Fiction: Its not a good idea to soak your feet if you have diabetes. Fact. Soaking your feet in tub of warm water can sure feel good, especially if youve been standing all day. However, foot soaking is pretty much a no-no when it comes to diabetes foot care. It may seem strange, but keeping your feet immersed in water can actually dry out your skin. The water removes natural oils on your skin that help to protect your feet. Dry skin is more prone to cracks, which can literally open the door to fungus and bacteria. Also, if you have any nerve damage in your feet that has caused a loss of sensation, you risk burning your skin if the water is too hot. Fact or Fiction: Avoid putting lotion on your feet. Fiction. Its Continue reading >>
Diabetic Foot Care | Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important?
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Foot problems are a big risk in diabetic patients. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe thats too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, its at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. If necessary, get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Heres some basic advice for taking care of diabetic feet: Dont put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. Dont smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet. Dont use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet. Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office. Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but dont put any lotion between your toes. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes. Buy shoes that are comfortable without a breaking in period. Check how your shoe fits in width, length, back, b Continue reading >>
How To Care For Your Feet
Many people with diabetes have problems with circulation and nerve damage in their feet. This affects how well they can feel hot and cold, pain, and other sensations. People who have problems with feeling and sensation don't get the usual warning signs if something's wrong. They might have a wound that won't heal, or nerve damage might be changing the shape of their feet, without them being aware of it. Without good foot care, sometimes problems can get so bad that a damaged foot needs to be amputated. Good foot care, including daily foot care at home and foot exams at your clinic, can help keep foot problems from getting out of control. Checklist for Daily Foot Care Make these simple steps part of your daily routine. If you aren't able to care for your feet yourself, ask a caregiver or family member for help. Or contact the Resource Line for information about community resources in your area. Check your feet every day: If you can't bend your legs and ankles to see the bottoms of your bare feet, use a mirror. You can place a mirror on the floor and hold each foot over it to look at the bottoms of your feet. Look for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. If you see anything that worries you, contact a member of your health care team right away. Keep your feet clean and moisturized: Wash your feet every day in room temperature water (less than 110° F.) Test the water with your hand or a thermometer to make sure it's not too hot. Dry your feet well after washing. Make sure you dry between your toes. Moisture between your toes can lead to the growth of fungus. Moisturize your feet with cream or lotion. Don't use moisturizer between your toes unless you're using a medicated cream to treat a fungus infection, such as athlete's foot. If your feet sweat easily, dust them li Continue reading >>
