Important Care Tips to Always Be Considered

As advocated by the American Diabetes Association, constant monitoring of the condition of your feet when diagnosed as diabetic is an essential part of maintaining your health. In conjunction with the University of Iowa Health Care System, the American Diabetes Association has issued some helpful reminders to be heedful of in between your annual check-ups with your local health care provider or podiatrist. As taken from the University of Iowa Health Care System website, please use the following suggestions when caring for your feet over this course of time:

• Keep your blood sugar in control.
• Wash your feet every day.
• Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
• Check your feet every day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
• Keep dry skin lubricated.
• Do not put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it, just as you would before bathing a baby.
• If your feet are cold, wear socks.
• Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
• Do not cut off blood flow to your feet.
• Don't wear garters.
• Do not use chemicals on corns, calluses, or warts.
• Over-the- counter products are often too strong for use by people with diabetes. They can burn your feet.
• Do not cut corns or calluses yourself.
• Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges.
• Do not rip off hangnails.
• Wear flat shoes that fit your feet. They should be comfortable when you buy them, and break in your new shoes slowly.
• If feeling has been lost in your feet, ask your healthcare provider for advice on proper shoes.
• Consider wearing comfortable walking shoes every day.
• Check inside your shoes before putting them on. Make sure no pebbles, nails, or other sharp objects are in them and that the shoe itself is not rough and the lining is not torn.
• Choose socks carefully. They should not have seams or other bumpy areas and should wick moisture away from the skin.
• Do not wear mended socks. Pull your socks on gently to prevent ripping toenails.
• Choose padded athletic socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable.
• Never walk barefoot. You could injure your feet and not notice it. Keep slippers by your bed to use when you get up at night.
• Do not smoke.
• See your healthcare provider at the first sign of infection or inflammation.

Hopefully, with the advise provided by these strong authorities on foot care you can keep your feet safe during the time in between your physician or podriast visitations. Again, if you have any additional questions or would like to speak with one of our podiatric professions at Advanced Foot Clinic, please contact us at (419) 423-1888.