Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This damage causes numbness and reduced sensation in the feet. As a result of this, your feet may not heal well if you hurt yourself. If you get a blister, you may not feel it and it may get worse. Even small wounds or blisters can become a problem if an infection develops or does not heal. A diabetic foot ulcer can develop. For people with diabetes, having a foot ulcer is reason enough to go to the hospital. Taking good care of your skin will help prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
Personal care
Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the feet. This damage can cause numbness and reduce the sensitivity of the feet. As a result of this, the feet may not heal well if they are injured. If you get a blister, you may not notice it and it may get worse.
Check your feet every day. Inspect the top, sides, soles of the feet, heels and between the toes. I searched:
- Dry and cracked skin
- Blisters or ulcers
- Bruises or cuts
- Redness, warmth or sensitivity
- Hard or firm points
If you can not see well, ask someone to check your feet.
Call your health care provider immediately for any foot problems you have. Do not try to treat these problems yourself. Even small wounds or blisters can become big problems if infection develops or does NOT heal. Foot ulcers are a common cause of hospitalization for people with diabetes.
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Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Strong soaps can damage the skin.
- Check the water temperature first with your hands or elbow.
- Dry your feet gently, especially between your fingers.
- Use lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin or oil on dry skin. DO NOT put lotion, oil or cream between your toes.
- Ask your provider to show you how to trim your toenails.
- Soak your feet in warm water to soften the nail before trimming it.
- Cut the nail straight, because curved nails are more likely to be incarnated.
- Verify that the edge of each nail does not exert pressure within the skin of the next finger.
- The podiatrist (podiatrist) can trim the nail if you are not capable.
Most people with diabetes should be treated for corns or calluses by a podiatrist. If the doctor has given you permission to treat yourself:
Use a pumice stone gently to remove such calluses and calluses after a shower or bath, when the skin is soft.
DO NOT use medicated pads or try to shave or cut them at home.
If you smoke, stop. The habit of smoking decreases the blood flow to the feet. Talk to your provider if you need help to quit.
DO NOT use a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your feet. DO NOT walk barefoot, especially on the hot pavement or hot sand beaches. Take off your shoes and socks during visits to your provider so you can check your feet.
Shoes and socks
Wear shoes at all times to protect the feet from injury. Before putting them on, always check inside to see if there are stones, nails or rough areas that can hurt your feet.
Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well when you buy them. Never buy shoes that are narrow, with the hope that they will stretch as you wear them. You may not feel the pressure of shoes that do not fit you well. Blisters and ulcers may occur when the foot presses against the shoe.
Ask your provider about special shoes that can provide more space for your feet. When you get new shoes, soften them slowly. Put them one or two hours a day during the first or second week.
Change the softened shoes after 5 hours during the day to modify the pressure points on the feet. DO NOT use sandals like flip flops or pantyhose with seams. Both can cause pressure points.
Wear clean, dry socks or pantyhose without elastic or seams every day. They will help you protect your feet. Holes in socks or pantyhose can exert damaging pressure on your feet.
You may want to put on special socks with extra padding. Socks that remove moisture from the feet will keep them drier. In cold weather, wear warm socks and DO NOT stay outside in the cold for long. Use clean, dry socks to lie down if your feet are cold.
When should you call the doctor?
Call your provider right away if you have any foot problems. Do not try to take care of yourself. Call your provider if you have any of the following changes in any part of the foot:
- Redness, swelling, or increased heat
- Sores or cracks
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Pain
- Alternative names
- Diabetes - foot care - personal care; Diabetic foot ulcer - foot care; Diabetic neuropathy - foot care