Months of preparations and hustle; three days of non-stop fun, sangeet, haldi, cocktail party and finally tying the knot. It’s your daughter’s wedding and there’s no way you can miss even a single happening. You have taken a vow to make everything perfect and enjoy it thoroughly. Its her Sangeet today, so you put on your stunning pair of new shoes, decked up in your best attire and danced your heart out! Completely exhausted you come back and crash on the sofa. But, as you remove your shoes you feel a strong stinging pain all across your feet. A close look and you notice multiple small scratches and a blister.
“Wait! When did that come? Was it there before? How could I probably miss checking this.. Are my sugar levels up again?
Being diabetic is definately difficult, regular monitoring of sugar levels, diet chart, lifestyle change, foot care and a lot more. While it might sound strenuous, it’s not all that hard.
Most importantly diabetes should not stop you from doing what you love, like indulging in sports, dance and other physical activities.
It’s common for people with diabetes to face problems such as corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails. These issues can be completely taken care of with corrective measures. Here are 9 ways to prevent diabetic foot with regular care:
- Examine your feet everyday
Carefully check the tops and bottoms of your feet everyday or ask someone for help in case you are unable to do it on your own. You can also take help from a medical expert like a podiatrist or a nurse who can help you check for:
- Cracks or excessive dryness
- Cuts, scratches and sores
- Ingrown toenails, corns and calluses
- Blisters
- Keep your feet clean and dry
Make sure you wash your feet everyday. Clean your feet with lukewarm water and mild soap by massaging gently. Rinse and pat dry (do not rub). Finish off by applying a light moisturiser. Avoid applying creams in between toes or toe nails.
- Prevent activities that can injure your feet
Walk and wear correct pair of shoes while performing physical activities like exercise or dance. Wear shoes that are comfortable and have your toes covered with soft cushions to prevent injuries.
- Care for your toenails
Trim your toenails regularly and keep them short and clean. Preferably cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. After trimming them straight across smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. Don’t cut cuticles.
- Select your footwear carefully
People with diabetes should wear shoes that have:
– Closed toes and heels
– An outer sole made of stiff material
– Leather uppers without a seam inside
– Insides that are soft with no rough areas
If you notice any blisters developed due a particular pair of shoes, change them. Ensure you wrap your feet with a bandage before you wear a different shoe.
- Burns, cuts, sores and foot ulcers
Stop waiting to treat a minor foot problem. Take prompt action by attending to injuries or infections. Follow necessary nursing guidelines to get relief and first aid right away.
Avoid self medication as it can go terribly wrong. In most cases it is crucial to identify the root cause of the problem and then get suggested treatments especially for issues like corns, infections, calluses or other foot problems.
- Protect your feet with socks
Avoid walking barefoot even inside the house. Your feet should be protected with shoes, hard-soled slippers or similar footwear at all times. During extreme weather conditions like cold or moisture, protect your feet with boots/shoes.
Open feet can make you highly vulnerable for injury or infections. Keep your socks clean dry and change a pair everyday. If you are trying a new pair of shoe, avoid wearing them for more than half an hour initially. Also if you are wearing them for the first time, ensure you wear it with a socks.
Before wearing your shoes check thoroughly for any irritating material or obstruction that might possibly injure your feet while walking.
- Make sure the fit of your shoe is perfect
You might be diagnosed with neuropathy if your feet feel too crammed in a shoe that is narrow or smaller in size. An ideal fitting shoe should be at least half inch larger than your feet so that you feel comfortable while walking. Strictly avoid high heels or pointed toe shoes. Do not wear shoes that have your heels unprotected like sandals or peep toes.
- Seeking timely medical advice and nursing care
Have a schedule set to attend regular check-ups with your doctor to manage your diabetes and keep symptoms from turning grave. In case you spot the below symptoms immediately report them to your podiatrist:
- Continued numbness or pain
- Change of color
- Darkening of skin
- Infection
- Sores or ulcers on feet
- Hammer toes or calluses
Diabetic foot problems if ignored in the long run can lead to potential complications like poor blood circulation, neuropathy, severe nerve damage and even amputation. Remember diabetes-related foot problems can worsen very quickly and are difficult to self treat. Hence it is important to beware and seek a trusted solution to keep things under control. Let diabetes not be a hurdle to indulge in what you like. Care and manage it right to enjoy a worry free life!
Nightingales offer a nursing care solution that specializes in complete diabetic foot care ranging from nail care, cuticle care, checking for feet sensation, blisters, cuts, abrasions and much more. Bringing in experts care with best in class equipment at your doorstep.
