If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your feet using a daily routine. This is because diabetes can cause issues with your feet that should not be taken lightly.
Some of the issues faced include; damage to the nerves and blood circulation. Diabetes can affect your feet if you have had diabetes for a long period of time, have poor blood sugar levels, are currently smoking or are inactive. These factors put you at a higher risk of foot amputations, and diabetic foot ulcers.
What should you be doing to take care of your feet?
- Check your feet daily – look for anything unusual (ulcer, swelling, redness, blisters, ingrown nails, cuts, broken skin, callus, corns, cracked skin, nail changes)
- Monitor if you are getting numbness, cold legs, pins and needles, pain in the legs at night or pain in the legs when walking long distances
- Wash and dry your feet well and make sure you are drying between your toes
- Apply an emollient to your feet daily
- Do not use corn pads
- Wear good appropriate footwear
- Do not go barefoot
- Wear socks
- Make sure you cut your toe nails straight
- Attend a podiatrist annually to get your feet checked
- Attend a podiatrist regularly if you are unable to cut your nails, or look after your feet
If you notice any changes, or are unable to look after your feet, make sure you see a podiatrist who will assess your feet, address issues required and provide a treatment plan that will help you prevent any diabetic foot issues.
We offer a diabetic assessment service at Podiatry HQ. You can call us on 8645 9800 to book in or,
