FOOT CARE
It takes few minutes a day but can prevent complications of foot in the future!
Proper foot care is especially critical for people with diabetes because they are prone to foot problems such as:
- Loss of sensation in their feet
- Changes in the shape of their feet
- Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT FOOT PROBLEMS
- Check feet every day. Inspect top, sides, cuts, sores, red spots, swelling or infected toe nails. If there is trouble in bending over to see the feet use a hand held mirror or ask a family member to help.
2. If a cut, sore, blister or bruise is present and does not heal after one day visit the doctor immediately
3. Wash feet every day with lukewarm water and not hot water. Use a mild soap. Dry them thoroughly especially between the toes as moist areas can develop infections. Check the temperature of the water with the help of elbow.
4. Keep the skin soft and smooth as the skin tends to get dry on the feet and legs, use skin lotion or cream on top and bottom of the feet. Do not put lotion between toes as it may cause infection.
5. Toe nails should be cut straight across and filed smooth only after washing and drying feet. Do not cut into corners of the nails.
6. Protect feet from hot and cold.
- Always wear shoes at the beach, on hot sand, or on hot pavement.
- Keep feet away from open fire, radiators, heaters etc.
- Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on the feet.
- Indian tradition of walking barefoot in the temples needs to be avoided instead wear thick socks.
- In cold weather keep your feet warm to avoid frostbite.
7. Wear proper shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot .Wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable. Wear seamless socks to protect against heat and cold. Avoid socks having elastic at the legs as it may cut off circulation
Lastly but not the least take care of diabetes by keeping
- Blood sugars close to normal.
- Follow your diabetes plan suggested by your doctor and educator
- Do not smoke.
- Exercise regularly
SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF THE NEUROPATHIC FOOT:
The initial symptoms generally depend on the nature of the underlying damage to the nerve.
- Tingling or Numbness:
- You may often feel a thin layer or film surrounding their toes or soles of their feet. It may also feel that something is stuck between the toes.
- A “Pin and Needle” sensation may also occur in the feet.
- The loss of sense of pain or temperature, also called “Glove and Stocking” pattern sensations are felt. It typically begins in both the feet and moves up the legs. Similarly affects the arms and moves up.
2. Pain: Pain from a peripheral neuropathy is called neuropathic pain. Burning sensations are very common. Aching or stabbing pain may also occur. Electric shock sensations may go up or down the legs and feet.
3. Impaired Balance: In moderate-to-severe neuropathy, balance may also be affected. Sensory fibers that carry information about joint position to the brain have degenerated. This leads to impairment of joint position in the legs, the person becomes more dependent on vision for balance.
4. Weakness: Weakness may occur with peripheral neuropathy. The region of Weakness is usually worst at the ankles and toes. Wasting of small muscles of hands and feet is seen.
