Diabetes is a serious health disorder. If you have diabetes, you are one of 23.6 million Americans affected. The most important step in handling your disease is not the diagnosis but the lifestyle changes needed to manage it. An inability to manage diabetes causes many concerns for your feet. Damage to your nerves, veins, and arteries can be so severe that amputation is the only treatment option. Below is a short list on how to maintain healthy feet and prevent problems caused by diabetes.
Wash feet daily.
Use mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your feet in the mornings or before bed. Make sure to dry carefully with a towel especially between toes and apply talcum powder to wick away any remaining moisture.
Inspect feet and toes daily.
Every day check your feet for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails.
Wear thick soft socks.
Socks made with acrylic blend are great but avoid mended socks or those with seams that can cause skin injuries such as blisters.
Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy shoes.
Poorly fitted shoes are involved in the majority of problems that lead to amputations. Your foot size and shape may change over time leading to skin injuries if changes are not accounted for.
Stop smoking.
Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems, which can increase in diabetics.
Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself.
At-home treatments can burn the skin and cause lasting damage to your feet, while cutting can lead to more serious ulcers and lacerations.
Don't wear anything too tight around the legs.
Panty hose, panty girdles, thigh-highs, knee-highs, or men's dress socks can constrict circulation to legs and feet.
See your podiatric physician.
Regular visits to your podiatric physician are the best way to make sure your feet remain healthy.