Did you know that having diabetes increases your risk of developing foot problems, including diabetic foot ulcers? Sores take a while to heal because of affected blood sugar levels which may even interfere with your ability to realize an injury. You can avoid all these complications by adhering to diabetic foot care The Woodlands practices. Foot care will include routine activities your doctor will recommend to help you catch issues and seek medical attention. After checking your feet for problems, your doctor will instruct you on what you look for daily. Here are a few instructions your doctor can make to help you care for your feet.
Wash and Keep Your Feet Dry Daily
You will keep your feet clean but only soak them briefly as they can dry your skin. During cleaning, use warm water and mild soap. After washing your feet, do not rub them. Instead, pat them dry and then thoroughly dry them. You can then apply a lotion to reduce the chances of cracking while avoiding lotions between your toes which may cause an infection. Additionally, you can sprinkle a non-medicated powder on your feet before wearing your skin to help them stay dry.
Check Your Feet Daily
You can set a specific time each day to check your feet on the top and bottom. Use a mirror or ask someone else to do it for you. During this check, use good light to detect any unusual spots and check for dryness and cracked skin on your heels and toes. You can also look for blisters, cuts, bruises, scratches, and sores. Call your doctor immediately if you notice redness, tenderness, cuts, and bruises.
Protect Your Feet
To protect your feet, wear shoes, and shoes and never go barefoot as you step on rocks and tacks that may cut your feet. Protect your feet with shoes and wear slippers at home during cold weather conditions. Meanwhile, avoid high heels and open-toed shoes that may leave you susceptible to infections and injuries. Additionally, change your socks daily.
Take Good Care of Your Toenails
After bathing, your toenails are soft, which is the time to cut them. Your doctor will advise trimming them straight and smoothing them with a nail file to avoid cutting into the toe corners. Allowing the corners of your toenails to grow into the skin leading to an ingrown toenail. Furthermore, avoid using sharp objects to cut under your toenails.
Wear Fitting Shoes
Your doctor will recommend avoiding wearing too tight or loose shoes as they can cause blisters. You may have to wear shoes with closed toes and heels, an outer sole from a stiff material, and soft insides. Own at least another pair of shoes so you can easily switch pairs.
Your body regularly works to ensure blood sugar levels are under control because too high levels may cause damage to your nerves and blood vessels. Damage to your leg nerves may lead to peripheral neuropathy, among other foot problems. You can prevent this health complication by practicing health routines that protect your feet. Daily healthy routines will allow you to catch diseases and offer early treatment. Your doctor will inform you of signs to look out for, including bleeding, blisters, calluses, skin color changes, and swelling.
