To prevent diabetic foot, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Unsuitable footwear (pressure points).
- Walking barefoot
- Objects in the shoes
- Lack of / inadequate training
- Lack of compliance
Other risk factors
- Fall/accident
It is essential to observe the following preventive measures:
- Regular examinations of the feet and footwear
- Foot care
- Daily viewing of the feet and checking for swelling and injuries.
- Daily washing of the feet with lukewarm water (about 3 minutes, dry well, especially in the spaces between the toes).
- Apply skin well with cream containing urea to prevent cracking. Note that the cream is well absorbed and no residue remains between the toes
- Do not use scissors, nail nippers or rasps for skin care; only files are suitable!
- Not use corn plasters or tinctures, these contain corrosive substances that can cause injury to the skin!
- No barefoot walking (risk of athlete’s foot as well as injury risks).
- Feet do not expose to high heat (electric blankets, fireplace, sunlight) because of injury hazards.
- Wear appropriate footwear and stockings.
- Poor footwear causes about half of all diabetic foot syndrome-related foot injuries.
- Wide and soft shoes are particularly suitable; leather shoes are preferable because of perspiration (these are breathable); avoid hard or uneven soles, if necessary, custom-made footwear and relief soles.
- Cotton stockings without oppressive seam; the stockings are to be changed daily!
- Silicone orthoses for the toes – inb. for patients with peripheral neuropathy and toe deformities Honweis: Silicone orthoses are aids which correct toe malpositions, relieve pressure points on the toes or immobilize toes.
- Other measures:
- Treatment of pathological foot changes only by podiatrists – podological treatment (see foot care).
