Foot care is vital for diabetics there is greater risk of foot-related complications. Foot care involves spotting damage to the feet early and seeking treatment as soon as possible and learning how to prevent further damage.
When checking your feet, look out for:
Cuts
Changes in colour
Bruising
Grazes
Hard skin
Sores
Swelling
Ulceration
If foot health is not properly taken care of, some diabetic foot complications include:
Charcot foot
Skin and bone infections*
Abscess
Gangreen
Deformities
Amputation
*Even a small cut or ulcer can lead to much bigger complications including in some cases amputation.
Diabetic foot care: How to take care of your feet:
1. Wash your feet with warm water every day
2. Dry your feet thoroughly
3. Moisturise to keep the skin soft but do not moisturise in between the toes
4. Examine your feet for cuts, bruise and other changes to the feet
5. Never walk barefoot outdoors
6. Always wear fresh clean socks and change them regularly
7. Inspect your shoes, before putting them on, for stones or anything sharp which may hurt or damage your feet
8. Keep your feet warm and dry
9. Speak to a podiatrist for advice, treatment and damage prevention tips
