Foot Problems

A person with diabetes is at greater risk to have serious problems that affect the feet or legs.  Nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections are the main causes of foot and leg problems.  There is a lot you can do to prevent foot and leg problems.  You can take some simple safeguards each day to care and protect your feet.  Understanding the causes of foot problems can help you care for your feet.

·        High blood sugar increases the risk of foot problems by causing:

Þ   Damage to nerves can result in the loss of protective sensation to the feet.  Nerve damage can deform your feet causing pressure points.  These can turn into blisters, calluses, sores or ulcers.

Þ   Damage to blood vessels can result in poor blood flow to the feet.  Poor blood flow can make foot injuries slow to heal and become infected.

·        Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and slow down the blood flow to your feet.

Signs of Foot Problems

·      Your feet may tingle, burn, or hurt

·      The shape of your feet can change over time.

        The skin on your feet may be dry and cracked.

        Toenails may turn thick and yellow.

        Fungus infections can grow between your toes.

·      You may lose hair on the toes, feet and lower legs.

·      You may not be able to feel touch, heat or cold very well.

·        There may be changes in the color and temperature

    of your feet.

Blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns, and ingrown toenails need to be seen by your health care provider or foot doctor (podiatrist) right away.
Protect Your Feet

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Check Your Feet Each Day

You may have serious foot problems yet feel no pain.  Look at your feet every day to see if you have scratches, cracks, cuts, or blisters.  Always check between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet.  If you can't bend over to see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror that won't break.  If you can't see well, ask a family member or friend to help you.  Call your health care provider at once if you have a sore on your foot.  Sores can get worse quickly.

·    Wash Your Feet Daily

Wash your feet every day.  Dry them with care, especially between the toes.  Do not soak your feet.  Soaking can dry out your skin and dry skin can lead to infections.  If you have dry skin, rub a thin coat of oil, lanolin, lotion, or cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet.  Do not rub these between your toes.  Moisture between the toes will let germs grow that could cause an infection.  Ask your health care provider for the name of a good lotion or cream.

·    Trim Your Toenails Carefully

Þ   Trim your toenails after you have washed and dried your feet.  The nails will be softer and safer to cut.

Þ   Trim the nails squarely.  Do not cut into the corners.  Use an emery board to smooth off the edges.

Þ   If you can't see well, or if your nails are thick or yellowed, get them trimmed by a foot doctor or another health care provider.  Ask your health care provider for the name of a foot doctor.  If you see redness around the nails, see your health care provider at once.

Protect Your Feet (continued)

·    Treat Corns and Calluses Gently

Do not cut corns and calluses.  Ask your health care provider how to gently use a pumice stone to rub them.  Do not use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn or callus removers.  These products can damage your skin.

·           Protect Your Feet From Heat and Cold

Þ   Hot water or hot surfaces are a danger to your feet.  Before bathing, test the water with a bath thermometer (90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit is safe) or with your elbow.  Wear shoes and socks when you walk on hot surfaces, such as beaches or the pavement around swimming pools.  In summer, be sure to use a sunscreen to protect your feet from sunburn.

Þ   You also need to protect your feet from the cold.  In cold weather, wear socks and footwear such as fleece-lined boots to protect your feet.  Wear socks to bed if your feet are cold at night.  Do not use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets.  These can burn your feet.  Do not use strong antiseptic solutions or adhesive tape on your feet.

·     Always Wear Shoes and Socks

Þ   Wear shoes and socks at all times.  Do not walk barefoot-not even indoors.  Choose white socks made of cotton or wool.  They help keep your feet dry.  Wear clean socks every day.

Þ   Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Do not wear sandals or shoes that have plastic uppers or thongs between the toes.  Look for shoes that have plenty of toe room, laces or Velcro straps to prevent slippage, firm cushioned soles and fully cover feet with material that allows feet to air.

Þ   New shoes should be comfortable at the time you buy them.  Buy shoes in the afternoon.  Don't expect them to stretch out.  Slowly break in new shoes by wearing them only one or two hours a day.

Þ   Look and feel inside your shoes before you put on your shoes.  Check for any loose objects, nail points, torn linings, and rough areas that can cause injuries.  Only wear shoes that have a smooth lining inside.

·    Be Physically Active

Physical activity can help increase the circulation in your feet.  There are many ways you can exercise your feet, even during times you're not able to walk.  Ask your health care team about things you can do to exercise your feet and legs.

·    Get Your Health Care Provider to Check Your Feet during each clinic visit.

Ask your health care provider to look at your feet during every clinic visit. Take off your shoes and socks when you are in the exam room as a reminder.  A complete foot exam should be done at least once a year.  Your feet should be checked for nerve damage, deformed feet, or a circulation problem.  Special care is needed if any of these are found.  Ask your health care provider to show you how to care for your feet.  Also ask if special shoes would help you.