HEALTH CONDITIONS: Foot Health
Foot infections are a serious concern for anyone with diabetes. Here's what to look for and how to prevent them.
BY:MARGARET FARLEY STEELE
When you have diabetes, foot problems often arise because of either nerve damage, also called neuropathy, or poor circulation. When sensory nerves are damaged, feeling is lost and the individual may be unaware of a wound or breakdown of skin that can lead to infection. Poor blood flow to the area can result in the slowed healing of sores and infections.To safeguard the feet, keeping blood glucose at optimum levels is important. The American Diabetes Association also recommends the following:
- Inspect feet daily and seek medical care if you spot an injury, breaks in the skin or an ingrown toe nail
- Look for changes in skin color, shape or feeling
- Encourage the person you care for to wear shoes and socks at all times
- Wash feet daily, and dry carefully between the toes
- Rub skin lotion over the feet, but not between the toes (Note: Other sources recommend the use of lanolin lotion and the avoidance of scented lotions that might contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin)
- Trim toenails straight across and file the edges
- Protect feet from temperature extremes (no hot water bottles or heating pads)
- Have the healthcare provider examine feet at least once a year, and more often if foot problems arise
- Consider adding a foot specialist to your medical team
Other tips: To improve blood flow, raise feet up when sitting; move ankles up and down and wiggle toes for five minutes two or three times a day.
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