Diabetes: 5 Steps For Daily Foot Care at Home

May 10 , 2021

Erandika Mohanathasan

Tags - Diabetes Tips For Daily Foot Care at Home

When you have diabetes, you are at much greater risk of developing problems with your feet.

Because, diabetes increases blood glucose levels and can damage your nerves, and reduces the blood flow to the feet.

As a result, you can suffer from cramps and pain, as well as issues with healing cuts and sores.

In fact, it's been found someone with diabetes is 20 times more likely to experience foot amputation - from wounds that have not healed and have turned into infections.

However, most problems can be prevented with proper foot care at home.

So, here are 5 ways to look after your feet with diabetes.

1. Managing Diabetes

The first step in looking after your feet, is by managing your diabetes through a healthy lifestyle.

And, even though there is not a “one size fits all” diet, it’s important to make healthy food choices to manage blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

In addition, you should exercise regularly and avoid smoking to improve blood circulation.

Doing so, can help manage your diabetes and reduce complications from occuring with your feet.

2. Wash and Dry Thoroughly

As a diabetic, you’re more at risk from developing infections from wounds.

And so, you should wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water - take care with the water's temperature as nerve damage can prevent you from feeling if the water’s too hot and result in burns.

Then, ensure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes as these areas are more prone to fungal infections.

Finally, use a lotion on your foot to keep them hydrated and prevent cracking.

Keep in mind, not to soak your feet, as this increases the risk of infections if the skin breaks down.

3. Check Your Feet Daily

It’s important to check over your feet every day - check the top and bottoms, or ask someone if you can’t see.

During this, you want to look out for problems like cuts or scratches, dry or cracked skin, blisters, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails.

And, if you have any concerns, it’s best to visit your GP often to check your foot and make sure it's all good.

4. Take Care During Exercise

Ensure you take extra care during exercise, walking or even during day to day activities.

As such, you need to wear comfortable shoes, suitable for physical activity and don’t exercise when you have open wounds on your feet.

Furthermore, avoid high impact exercises, like aerobics and jumping as this will put added pressure on your feet.

5. Wear Proper Fitted Shoes

To prevent any feet or leg injuries, avoid wearing high heeled or pointy shoes and open toed shoes.

In other words, do not wear tight shoes; leave space in your shoes and try to wear wide fit wear possible.

Consequently, if you suffer from nerve damage, you may not notice that your shoes are too tight.

Therefore, as a diabetic you should opt for shoes that are closed toe, with an outer sole made from stiff material, leather uppers and insides that are soft.