Diabetic patients are prone to get foot ulcers which lead to serious infections and sometimes end up in loss of limb or toe. This is because the diabetic nerve damage decreases your ability to feel sensations like pain, cold or heat in your feet. Also they narrow down the blood vessels and make the blood circulation harder. Poor circulation makes the healing process difficult in case of ulcers or infections. So it gets harder for any blisters, sores or cuts to get healed. Hence all diabetic patients need to take care of their feel well.
Tips for foot care :
- Watch your feet regularly for any cuts, blisters or redness.
- Wash with Luke warm water and mild soap and dry thoroughly especially between the toes.
- Apply lotions(moisturizer) to prevent dryness of feet but avoid between the toes.
- Trimming of toe nails is essential as long nails can press neighbouring toe and cause open cuts. Cut nails straight and not curved to avoid inward growth.
- Choose a proper fitting foot wear. It should not be tight and uncomfortable.
- Exercising can help improve blood circulation in your legs and feet.
- Smoking decreases blood circulation so it is advisable to quit.
Consult with your doctor if any redness, swelling or blisters are noticed.
These steps may be simple enough to ignore but small self care rituals prevents them from escalating to big serious issues. Share your thoughts on this.
MBH/AB