10 Foot-Care Tips for People With Diabetes

Foot care is extremely important for diabetics. Scratches, cuts or sores may take longer to heal than normal. In some cases, an untreated sore on the foot of a diabetic may refuse to heal, leading to infections that cause additional problems, especially for the elderly. Learn basic foot-care tips for optimal benefits and health maintenance.

Inspect

• Carefully inspect your feet every day. Take note of any scratches, ingrown hangnails or toenails, cuts or bruises. Check for reddened areas, blisters or swelling. According to the American Diabetes Association, your feet should be checked by a physician at least once a year, or more if you have problems. Prevention is the key in foot care for diabetics.

Foot Hygiene

• Wash and carefully dry your feet and toes every day. Make sure to dry the areas between the toes. To keep your feet soft and reduce the chance of ingrown nails, calluses or corns, apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet. Avoid placing lotion between the toes, as an accumulation of moisture there can lead to breakdown of the skin.

Trim

• Trimming the toenails on a regular basis helps prevent ingrown toenails and hangnails that lead to problems. Carefully trim the nails on a weekly basis, but be careful not to cut too close to the skin. For the best and safest results, trim the nail straight across and then use a filing board to soften and round the edges. If you can't do this yourself, or are afraid to, ask your health-care provider to advise you.

Protect the Feet

• Diabetics should avoid walking around without shoes and socks that help protect the feet from scratches and bruises and stubbed toes. Socks should not fit too tightly, and the same goes for the shoes. Choose shoes that are comfortable and allow the feet to breathe. Make sure socks and inside sole pads of shoes are smooth and wrinkle-free to avoid chafing or blistering.

Temperature Extremes

• Avoid exposing your feet to extreme changes in temperature, such as on asphalt in the middle of summer or in snow in the middle of winter. Avoid taking baths or showers in scalding hot water, and avoid dunking your feet into an ice-cold pool in summer. Many diabetics find that sensations in their feet have decreased, and you may not feel the heat or cold as others would.

Keep Circulation Going

• Try to move your toes and feet during the day, especially if you sit at a desk all day. Exercise the feet and ankles and take a moment every hour to rotate the ankle joint and wiggle the toes. You should do this two to three times throughout the day to keep circulation going and to prevent blood from pooling in your feet.

Posture

• Avoid crossing your legs for long periods, because this may decrease blood circulation to the feet. This often causes swelling, or edema, in the feet, which can make walking difficult and make your feet more susceptible to bruising.

Appropriate Medical Care

• If you notice a cut, bruise or open sore on a foot that doesn't show signs of healing in a few days, schedule a visit with your doctor. Often, even minor infections can grow severe quickly, especially for diabetics. Antibiotics may be necessary, or in severe cases, surgery.

Blood Sugar

• Try to keep your blood sugar level under control. Stay away from sugars and follow the diet suggested by your health-care provider.

Exercise

• Exercise is a great way to stay in shape, maintain a healthy weight and keep the circulation going. However, no matter what type of exercise you prefer, protect your feet by wearing adequate footwear and take the time after every workout to check your feet for any sign of injury. Diligence is the key to preventing foot issues common to diabetics.