Foot Care
People with diabetes have to be particularly careful about foot care because it can increase their risk of com
plications such as ulcers, infection and amputation. Good foot care includes checking your feet regularly, keeping blood flowing to them, wearing comfortable shoes that fit well, and changing socks and shoes frequently.
Look for signs and symptoms that may indicate problems such as changes in skin color, swelling, pain or a change in the shape of your toes or feet. If you see any of these changes, You can visit the Diabetic Foot Care in Tennessee doctor for treatment.
Checking your feet and toes regularly is one of the best ways to prevent foot problems. It's also an easy and inexpensive way to detect potential issues before they become serious.
Regular foot checks (or someone else doing them for you) can help you spot cuts, blisters, rashes and other foot problems before they develop. This can also save you time and money from the cost of visiting a health professional to have the problem treated.
Always wash your feet with lukewarm water and mild soap daily to avoid dry, irritated skin that could lead to foot problems. Never use hot or harsh soaps on your feet, which can damage your skin. Instead, use a mild cleansing solution and gently pat your feet with a clean towel to dry them thoroughly.
Change your shoes and socks regularly to avoid pressures that can cause blisters, irritation and infection. Choose shoes that are made of leather, canvas or other materials that allow your feet to breathe and provide a comfortable fit.
Wearing tight, narrow or uncomfortable shoes can make your feet feel swollen and may lead to other problems such as calluses and hammertoe. Often, switching to a shoe that fits better can help ease these conditions.
If you're prone to blisters, break in new shoes gradually by only wearing them for short periods of time on the first day and then continuing with longer intervals. The Nashville Podiatrists doctor will advice you to apply petroleum jelly or an adhesive bandage on areas that rub, before the blisters form.
Changing your footwear can also reduce the risk of fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. This can be prevented by choosing shoes that are not made from nylon or plastic, and washing and drying your feet in lukewarm water.
Blisters can form on the sides and bottom of your feet when you don't wear proper shoes or don't change your socks regularly. They can be painful and may cause a rash or odor if not treated.
Keep your feet warm by wearing a pair of warm socks and avoid heating pads or electric blankets on your feet, as these can cause skin damage if the circulation is poor. Using an air conditioner to dry your feet during the winter months can help as well.
Get your feet cleaned regularly by a podiatrist to reduce the risk of fungal growths and other problems with your nails. Trim your toenails straight across and not too short. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetic_foot.