For diabetics, foot care is an essential part of your daily life. Issues such as small cuts or blisters can quickly become very serious. Nerve damage, a common symptom of diabetes, can make it difficult for you to feel, especially in your feet. If you don't feel a cut or blister and address it right away, it can lead to a serious infection. Another symptom of diabetes is poor blood circulation. Poor blood flow can also lead to an increased risk of sores and take longer to heal properly. This is why it is important to take the time each day to check your feet and keep them clean.
Here are six simple tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to take care of your feet:
- Check your feet every day. Make sure to check your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, sores or other issues. Also, make sure to keep an eye on your feet throughout the day for any swelling. Make it a part of your routine to check your feet every night. This can take only a few minutes, but can play a huge role in not only your foot health, but overall health.
- Make sure to wash your feet every day with warm water. Keeping your feet clean on a daily basis is one of the best ways that you can protect them and reduce the risk of bacteria or infections. Make sure to carefully wash your feet every day to remove any dirt or buildup. If you notice that your feet are dirty at the end of the day, take a few minutes to wash them off so they are nice and clean. Be gentle when washing and drying your feet so you don't irritate the skin. If you have sweaty feet or it is very warm out, you can also apply a powder to your feet before putting on your socks to help eliminate moisture and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Wear clean, dry socks and change your socks daily. Wearing diabetic socks can help keep your feet protected and clean throughout the day. Diabetic socks with moisture-wicking and antibacterial fibers are especially great for eliminating moisture and sweat, and preventing infections or bacteria growth. Keep your feet dry and clean throughout the day by wearing a good pair of diabetic socks. If you notice that your socks are wet or dirty during the day, change them out for a clean pair. You should also wear clean socks to bed every night. One symptom of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to cold feet. Wearing socks during the night will help keep your feet warm and help regulate your body temperature.
- Keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Make sure to cut your toenails often and clean underneath your nails to remove any dirt or buildup. Be careful when trimming your nails so that you don't accidentally cut yourself. Make sure not to trim them too short to prevent any bleeding or ingrown toenails. Use a nail file to evenly file them down and keep them neat and trimmed.
- Make sure that your shoes are clean. Clear your shoes of any debris before putting them on. If you are experiencing nerve damage, it is harder for you to feel if there is something in your shoe that could potentially cut or harm you. Check them regularly to make sure there is nothing in your shoe that could cause sores or cuts. Keeping your shoes clean can also help keep your feet clean, so make sure to clean your shoes regularly. Also, make sure that you are wearing the proper shoe size. If your shoes are too tight or are rubbing, this can cause blisters which can quickly become infected and serious.
- Visit your doctor regularly. Make sure to visit your doctor regularly to keep your foot health on track. Consult your doctor first about your foot health so you can come up with a plan for your specific foot care. Schedule regular appointments so your doctor can check your feet and make sure they are staying healthy. This will not only help promote better foot health, but better overall health as well. If you notice any calluses, blisters, sores, or other concerns, consult your doctor right away.