Diabetes: Foot Care

Why Is Foot Care Important For Persons With Diabetes

People with diabetes often have altered sensation in their feet, which leads to decreased ability to feel pain, heat or cold. This can result in injury and a delay in getting care for an injury. An injury can lead to a foot ulcer that becomes infected. It often takes a long time for an ulcer to heal. People with diabetes are also more prone to changes in the blood vessel walls, which cause thickening and make the blood vessels stiff. This may lead to decreased circulation to the lower legs and feet. This is important because it reduces the body's ability to heal an injury or fight an infection. Complications of foot injuries can lead to amputation.

It is important to control your blood sugar and blood pressure to maintain your health and prevent complications. Also, the key to maintaining healthy feet is to prevent injury by following a plan to check and care for your feet. The following are guidelines to assist you in preventing foot problems.

Daily Foot Care Guide:

• Wash your feet every day using mild soap and warm water. Check the water temperature with your hand or elbow before placing your feet in the water.

• Dry your feet well. Make sure to dry between toes.

• Look at your feet. Check for any cracks, dry skin, cuts, redness, swelling, and change in temperature.

• Apply lotion to dry or cracked skin and to soles of feet. Do not put lotion between toes.

• Call your nurse or doctor right away if you have any sign of infection such as swelling, redness, drainage, fever, or chills.

• Keep toenails neatly trimmed. Cut the nails with the shape of your toes so they are even with the skin on the end of your toes. Avoid cutting down into the comers. Never cut skin on the end of your toes. Use good lighting when trimming nails. Trim toenails only after soaking feet, for example, after a bath or shower. If your toenails are thickened, you may have to have them trimmed by a doctor or nurse.

• Report signs of ingrown toenails: redness, drainage, and swelling.

• If you have trouble seeing, have someone help you trim your toenails.

• Do not try to cut off corns or calluses. If you have corns or calluses, tell your doctor during your clinic visit. Corns or calluses can be prevented by wearing soft socks and well-fitted shoes.




Foot Wear

Wear properly fitted shoes. Soft leather or canvas shoes are recommended for daily wear. It is best not to wear open toe or open heel shoes. Avoid going barefoot. Slippers with sturdy toes can be worn at home. Check the inside of the shoes before putting them on. Small objects, nail points, and tom linings create pressure points that could lead to irritation or infection.

Have feet measured each time you shop for shoes. Shop in the afternoon because feet are often bigger at the end of the day.

Socks

Wear clean socks. Discard socks when they are worn. Do not wear mended socks. Avoid socks with tight elastic.

Symptoms Of Decreased Circulation

Decreased circulation may occur. If the following symptoms occur, notify your doctor:

• Feet are always cold.
• Legs that ache with walking and stop hurting with rest.
• Lack of hair growth on feet and lower legs.
• Shiny skin on lower legs.
• Legs are dark red or purple when dangling (Vascular Surgery).

Ulceration

Ulceration may be due to poor circulation. Consultation with a vascular specialists to determine methods of improving the circulation may assist with healing or prevent an amputation.

Suggestions To Prevent Injury

• Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not let feet remain wet. Avoid exposure to the sun with the protection of sunscreen.
• Do not apply heating pad or hot water bottle to feet. Do not cross legs. Do not smoke. Smoking reduces the circulation of blood to your legs and feet by constricting blood vessels.
• Have a nurse or doctor inspect your feet at every clinic visit
• Call your nurse or doctor immediately if a problem occurs.
• Call your nurse or doctor with elevated blood sugars, as this may be a sign of infection.

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.