by TD Small

Created on: March 14, 2009

Many of us take our feet for granted, but taking care of our feet on a daily basis can mean the difference between being able to step out for a night on the town and being confined to a wheelchair. Daily foot care is especially important for diabetics. By taking just a few minutes a day to care and monitor their foot health, they too can keep happily tapping their toes.

Diabetes not only affects blood circulation but also the nervous system. Nerve damage can occur in the feet, creating a loss of feeling and making it harder for diabetics to realize when a foot problem is starting. This makes them more susceptible to foot sores and infections. The longer sores and pressure points are left untreated, the greater chance of infection. Poor circulation may cause sores and infections to take longer to heal and if not treated properly can lead to amputation.

The following suggestions are for a daily foot health routine that can help diabetics avoid serious foot problems.

Daily wash and dry feet thoroughly. It is important to wash your feet, especially between your toes, where bacteria and fungus like to grow. Do not soak your feet as this can remove natural protective oils from your skin and dry it out.

Apply unperfumed moisturizing cream to your feet daily. Do not apply between your toes. This helps keep the skin of your feet soft and helps your to avoid dry, cracked skin that can allow infections to develop.

Carefully inspect your feet. Check the tops and sides of your feet. Look for tender, bruised, hard, cracked or callused skin. Watch carefully for potential blisters, corns, redness, warm or hot spots on the skin, and discoloration. If needed, use a mirror to inspect the soles of your feet or ask someone to help with this.

Toenails should be trimmed as needed. They should be filed straight across, even with the tops of your toes and rounded slightly to keep them from digging into the next toe and possibly causing a sore spot. The best time to trim toenails is after bathing. They are soft and clean at this time and easier to trim. Scissors and clippers are not recommended for nail trimming, as they can slip and cause a break in the skin. If your toenails are too thick to cut easily or if you can't comfortably reach your toes ask someone for help. If you are having problems with reduced feeling or circulation in your feet you should check with your doctor to see if it is all right to care for your toenails at home.

Always wear something on your feet both indoors

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>