The feet of diabetics tend to nerve damage and circulatory problems, especially after a long period of illness. The skin is then usually extremely sensitive and dry. In addition, many diabetics do not feel pressure points in their shoes or injuries to their feet in time because they do not feel pain. If an infection spreads, weeping ulcers can easily develop, which are difficult to heal. Therefore, place special emphasis on professional foot care, proper foot control and the right footwear. The following tips summarize the most important advice for those affected.
Daily inspection of the feet and soles of the feet.
Because people with diabetes often cannot feel changes in their feet properly, as a diabetic you should check your feet daily for changes, such as:
- Pressure points
- Burns
- Redness
- Swellings
- Injuries
- Ingrown toenails
- Athlete’s foot or
- Inflammation
Check in particular:
- From above: instep and heel
- From below: Sole of foot
- From the front: interdigital spaces between the toes
Examination of the soles of the feet is important because calluses can develop here particularly quickly. Those who can not see the soles of their feet should use a mirror. If the eyesight is not sufficient for these examinations safely, relatives or caregivers should be consulted. For any changes in the feet, you should go to the doctor.
Diabetic foot: why control is so important
Dry skin is particularly susceptible to injury or invasion by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Combined with the impaired sensation of pain in the feet, this can result in wounds not only developing more easily, but also going unnoticed for longer and having a harder time healing. Often, this then leads to serious inflammation or ulcers. This is also known as diabetic foot or diabetic foot syndrome. Attentive control of the feet is considered the most important measure to prevent diabetic foot.
Care of the diabetic foot
The skin of diabetic patients is usually very dry and brittle. The reason for this is the disturbed sweat production. Only consistent skin care can help here:
- Wash your feet daily with a mild, moisturizing soap.
- The water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees. Use a thermometer to check, because too hot water can cause scalding, which may not be noticed (neuropathy).
- When you bathe your feet, the bath should last no more than three minutes. Longer foot baths soften the skin, it forms a good breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
- After washing, you should dry your feet thoroughly with a soft towel, especially between the toes, because if the spaces between the toes are wet, athlete’s foot can easily form.
- If itching between the toes, diabetics should see a doctor, because it is often a fungal infection, which must be treated necessarily.
After bathing, you should carefully rub the still wet callus with a pumice stone. This is necessary because calluses easily cracked and so bacteria or germs can penetrate. Callus planes have no place on the foot of a diabetic. Likewise, corn plasters or tinctures must not be used under any circumstances, as these have a corrosive effect and damage the skin.
How can diabetics take care of their feet?
Dry, brittle or cracked skin should be rubbed with a moisturizing cream (for example, with urea) after washing. However, the spaces between the toes should not be creamed. In addition, diabetics should be sure to put on fresh socks every day and make sure the socks fit well. If the sensation of pain or heat is limited, it is better not to use a hot water bottle or electric blanket. You could possibly burn your feet. If you have an injury to your feet, you should see a doctor immediately. But you should also have your feet examined by the attending physician during check-up appointments. In addition, medical foot care is also paid for by health insurance in many cases.
Toenails
The care of the feet also includes the care of the toenails. For diabetics, there are also some special features here:
- Do not cut the nails with pointed or sharp tools (for example, scissors, nail clippers or pointed nail files). A sand blade file or a rounded diamond file are well suited.
- File the nails at the corners straight and not round. Only immediately at the corners they should be slightly rounded.
- Have ingrown toenails or corns removed only by a professional (podiatrist or doctor).
Shoes and stockings
You should always buy shoes in the afternoon, because the feet swell during the day due to standing. Early afternoon is therefore the best time to buy shoes. When buying shoes, look for soft uppers without annoying seams and a sole that is not too thin and well cushioned. Lace-up shoes are best for diabetics because they optimally enclose the foot. New shoes must be broken in over a longer period of time. During this time, daily foot inspection is especially important. If you suffer from neuropathy, you should – before putting on your shoes – check the inside with your hand for foreign bodies or abrasive seams. Stockings should not be made of synthetic materials, but of wool or cotton. They should be as seamless as possible, as any unevenness can lead to an injury or pressure point. For diabetics, it is especially important to change stockings daily.
What else is important
In addition to caring for their feet, diabetics have a few other tips they can use to prevent injury or permanent damage to their diabetic foot:
- If you have problems with your feet, you should not walk barefoot.
- If you reduce your weight, it will also relieve the pressure on your feet.
- Targeted foot exercise is good for your feet.
- Store your legs up every now and then.
- If you give up smoking, it will also have a positive effect on your feet.
Nevertheless, regular foot care remains a “must” for diabetics. Only in this way can the diabetic foot syndrome be detected and treated in time.