Diabetic Foot Care Procedures

Because diabetic patients suffer from poor circulation and stiff joints and have damaged nerves and a tendency to fall prey to infection, many complaints involving the feet are fairly common. Foot ulcers, wounds and infected corns and calluses should be treated immediately, while for prevention of any serious foot problem, you should take up a regular foot care regimen.

Foot Cleansing

• Make it a point to wash your feet in warm water and dry them properly, particularly between the toes, with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer on the tops and soles your feet (but not between the toes) to make them smooth and supple. If you have corns or calluses, use pumice stones regularly. If you have athlete's foot, try to heal it with special medicines prescribed by your chiropodist or podiatrist, but not with over-the-counter ointments. Your toenails should be cut along the shape of the toe and filed properly once every week. Take care not to trim down the toenail sides because this might lead them to grow in, resulting in infection. In case you cannot do it yourself, ask someone else to examine your foot regularly for cuts, blisters and lesions.

Shoes

• Never wear ill-fitting shoes and never walk without shoes on. Each time you purchase new footwear, get your feet measured by an experienced fitter as your feet change shape and size with time. Make sure you do not buy new shoes that need time to feel comfortable. Buy shoes that feel comfortable right at the time of buying. Make sure the shoes you wear are wider near the toes and have low heels. Avoid pointy-toed shoes as these can cause ulcers. Try to buy shoes with shock-absorbing features for a proper cushioning effect. Choose laced shoes as these can be easily adjusted, allowing the feet more space when necessary. Wear slippers at home and shoes and socks outside of home. Inspect the shoes' insides before wearing in order to make sure the lining is soft and even, with no articles inside it to hurt the feet. Keep your feet protected by wearing shoes on hot surfaces and wearing warm socks for cold weather.

To Do List

• Buy a good pair of nail clippers and nail file, according to the recommendation of your doctor. Wear lightly padded, soft socks without seams and properly fitting shoes that offer suitable support for your feet. Buying a small mirror to help you locate foot abrasions or cuts on the soles of your feet is a good idea. Visit your doctor at regular intervals and make sure to get your feet examined by the doctor or a nurse. Whenever you sit, keep your legs uncrossed. Also rest them and keep them elevated whenever possible during the day. Wriggle your toes and move your ankles thrice daily for five minutes each time. Improve blood circulation by starting to exercise on a daily basis.
  Give up smoking and alcohol. Keep regular tabs on your blood glucose level to prevent worsening of the diabetic condition.