Getting Help With My Toes

How To Properly Care For Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

15 February 2016

Arianna Nguyen

Having diabetes can lead to an array of other medical issues. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you start taking care of your body and this includes your feet. Having diabetes means that normal foot problems that people deal with are no longer so simple for you. For example, if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, you may not feel a cut or sore on your foot right away. If left untreated, the cut or sore can lead to more serious infections like gangrene. Below are tips on how to properly care for your feet while living with diabetes.

Check Your Feet Daily

It might not seem important now, but it is crucial that you inspect your feet every day. Before you begin getting ready for the day, take some time to inspect your feet. You will want to look at your soles, heels, toes, sides and tops. When you are done inspecting those, carefully inspect between each toe. While you are looking at your feet, you want to make note of any:

• Hard spots

• Blisters

• Sores

• Cuts

• Redness or tenderness

• Dry and cracked skin

If you see any of these things, contact your doctor immediately. It is important to not try to take care of these things on your own. Infection can set in very easily, so it is best to seek professional help from your regular doctor.

Wash Your Feet Daily

It is necessary to pay special attention to your feet when you are showing or bathing. When you wash your feet, use a soap that is mild on your feet. Sometimes it may be necessary to buy a separate soap than what you use for the rest of your body. Hard soaps will cause damage to your feet. When you get out of the shower, be sure to dry every inch of your feet, especially in between each toe. Once the skin on your feet is dry, you can use a mild lotion or petroleum jelly to give them a little extra moisture.

Trim Your Toenails

Ingrown toenails can lead to severe infection in the rest of your foot. It can be caused by wearing shoes that don't properly fit you. In some cases, your insurance will actually provide you with special shoes to prevent ingrown toenails and bunions from occurring. When trimming your toenails, be sure to soak for your feet in lukewarm water for about ten minutes first. The water will soften the nail, making it easier to remove. Trim straight across the top of the nail. Avoid curving when trimming, because curves make it easier for ingrown toenails to form. If you have any problem doing this, podiatrists can assist you.

By following the tips provided above, your feet will be in the best possible health as you learn how to cope with this disease. 

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