10 Fast facts about foot care

If you have diabetes, you need to be aware of foot care. We’ve got some top tips to make that easy to do.

What you need to know about diabetes and feet

For a person living with diabetes, short-term and long-term complications in the feet are serious.  There are all kinds of causes for concern! Corns and calluses, blisters, soggy skin between the toes, dry papery skin, dry cracked skin, itchy feet, pins and needles sensation, thickened nails, ingrown nails, fungal infections of the nails or skin, or foot deformities such as flat feet, bunions or even just crooked toes. Podiatrists are trained to manage these conditions and are essential members of your medical team.

Daily foot care for diabetics

Check your feet

People with diabetes should have their feet examined by their doctor or podiatrist at least once a year, with thorough washing and daily inspections a part of everyone’s diabetes management plan. Be careful to wash and dry properly between the toes, and at the first sign of any sores, blisters and cracks see a podiatrist immediately.

Cut your toenails carefully

When cutting your toenails, be sure to cut straight across, without following the curve, and file the edges to smooth them. Be careful not to cut your nails too short. This will prevent ingrown toenails.

Don’t walk barefoot

Avoid walking barefoot and have any corns or calluses cut by a medical professional – don’t do it yourself.

Avoid hot water bottles

Don’t use hot water bottles or heaters near your feet.

Moisturise!

Moisturise daily to avoid any dryness. Even mild cracking can lead to ulceration. Avoid putting cream between the toes, as this encourages fungal infections.

Be aware of signs and symptoms of nerve damage

Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can cause numbness in the feet. Together with lower production of sweat and oils that lubricate the feet, this can cause increased pressure on the skin, joints and bones of the feet, which in turn causes pain, redness, swelling, sores and ulcers to develop.

Understand foot ulcers

Foot ulcers are reported to affect 1 in 4 people with diabetes in their lifetime. Constant foot care is vital in preventing and treating complications like these.

Recognise foot ulcers

How do you recognize a foot ulcer? They are often not very painful, and can occur just about anywhere on the foot. When calluses are not removed correctly and often enough, it causes bleeding under the callus, which is how the ulcer begins.

Ask for help

Foot ulcers can be stubborn to heal and, in the worst cases, lead to serious lower body infection, disability and even amputation. Contact your podiatrist at the first sign of any problem.

Choose the right shoes

When it comes to footwear, choose comfort above all else. A good pair of shoes will go miles towards keeping your feet in their best condition.

Foot care tips for diabetics

• If you have pressure areas causing callus or hard skin or corns on your feet, you must see a podiatrist for treatment to avoid complications.
• Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, bruises or colour changes (red, white, black, blue, green – skin and toenails), swelling or open sores. Report them to your healthcare team without delay. 
• Use a mirror to see the soles of your feet or, if this is difficult, seek help from someone else.
• Always protect your feet. Wear low heeled or flat, flexible footwear inside and outside your home to avoid injuring your feet. Shoes and sandals should fasten over the top of the foot as well as the back of the heel (either straps or closed).
• Check inside your shoes with your hands for stones, sharp objects and rough places before putting your shoes on.
• Buy new shoes late in the day. Feet swell more towards the end of the day and your shoes will fit better and not too tight.
• Wearing socks can help prevent injury. Make sure they are not too tight and wash them daily. Make sure they have no holes. Dry socks and expose shoes to bright sunshine to assist fungal control.
• Always wash your feet with soap and water. Take care to wash between your toes. Dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. Use heel balm to keep the soles of your feet soft and flexible. Do not use cream between toes as this can encourage fungal infection between the toes.
• Have your feet checked at least once a year by a podiatrist

These things will hurt your feet

• Avoid pointy toed shoes, heels higher than 30mm, stiletto or thin narrow heel tips, avoid strapless or backless shoes, avoid slip-on shoes.
• Don’t wear tight socks or stockings.
• When washing your feet be careful that the water is not hot enough to burn them.
• Never try to treat your own feet with corn medicines, razor blades or scissors. Always seek help from a medical professional if you have a problem.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking damages the supply of blood to your feet.
• Don’t wear jewellery on your feet – you could cause a diabetic ulcer.
• Never leave wounds open, no matter how small – always keep covered with clean dressings.

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What to read next?

Diabetes and feet – a video: We know that diabetes and feet is one of the things people with diabetes have a lot of questions about. That’s why we asked podiatrist Vuyisile Nkalane to join us for one of our Sweet Life Talks and answer all your questions about diabetes and feet.

What is normal blood sugar? An explanation of what the normal range of blood sugar is, and what people with diabetes can do to achieve those numbers.

10 Fast facts about foot ulcers: Preventing foot ulcers is an essential part of keeping your feet healthy. Here are some great tips.

Photo by Billie and Road Ahead on Unsplash