Of the 16 million Americans with diabetic disease, 25% develop foot problems related to the disease. Diabetes causes nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), that causes pain and make you lose feeling in your feet. This can cause cuts, wounds, infections without knowing it. Diabetes also lowers the amount of blood flow in your feet thus making it hard for a wound/infection to heal. It can cause gangrene, thus amputations. Good foot care is very important to prevent this.
- Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication.
- Always wear diabetic shoes that fit well.
- Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap.
- Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problems.
- If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet.
- Check your toenails once a week.
- Always check the inside of shoes to make sure that no objects are left inside.
- Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting, wiggle your toes and move your ankles several times a day, and don’t cross your legs for long periods.
- Doctor checks your feet during each checkup. Get a thorough foot exam once a year.
