If you’re currently managing symptoms of diabetes or are pre-diabetic, proper care for your feet is now more important than ever. Even small cuts and scrapes in your feet can prove to have some very serious consequences.
Conditions like diabetes can restrict blood flow to your feet, which makes it harder to heal from cuts, bruises and other injuries to the foot, as well as its ability to fight off infections. Even blisters and sores can take very long to heal. If all of the above are left unchecked, they can lead to serious health conditions, including an amputation in a worst-case scenario.
What is professional diabetic foot care?
All diabetics and pre-diabetics need to get professional foot care. Even if you’re feeling fine, it’s important to see a podiatrist, because foot conditions in people with diabetes often spur up only after the symptoms have gone from bad to worse, or an infection has spread uncontrollably.
Although foot care is the last thing on most people’s minds, it is not to be taken lightly at all if you’re currently managing diabetes or are a pre-diabetic. Nearly 50% of all people who have diabetes have some kind of nerve damage as well. While nerve damage can occur in any part of the body – whether due to diabetes or not – it is especially prevalent in the feet and legs for diabetics.
Daily professional care is one of the best ways you can prevent unnecessary foot complications and some potentially serious health conditions down the line.
How do I know I need diabetic foot care:
If you’re currently managing symptoms of diabetes or have been diagnosed as “pre-diabetic”, we recommend setting up an appointment without delays. In most cases, the following foot-related symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:
- Dry and cracked skin in your feet that won’t go away after using moisturising soap and lotion.
- Thickened, yellow-looking toenails.
- Changes in the colour and temperature of your feet (due to blood flow problems).
- Pain in the legs and feet and/or cramping in the thighs, calves and buttocks while engaging in moderate-demanding physical activities.
- Hair loss on your feet, toes and lower legs.
- Fungal infections between your toes, such as athlete’s foot.
- Your feet’s shape changes over time.
- A general loss of touch and sensitivity in the feet or the ability to properly feel heat and cold.
- Pain or tingling and burning sensation in the feet.
- Visible signs of blisters, sores, ulcers, ingrown toenails, infected corn, etc.
Some general tips for keeping your feet healthy
- It’s important to check your feet each day for any redness, swelling, cuts, sores, blisters, calluses, corns, or any noticeable change to your foot’s skin or nails.
- Keep your feet clean by washing them with warm water every day. Dry them completely and use a moisturising lotion on the top and base of your foot but never between the toes.
- Don’t walk barefoot – always use loose-fitting socks and a comfortable pair of slippers/sandals.
Get in touch with us now to get the proper diabetic foot care you need: 0203 197 9100
