Diabetes

Canadians living with diabetes need to make daily foot care a priority. 

Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious complications. There are currently 2.3 million Canadians living with diabetes and 14-24% of these are at risk for developing serious foot ulcerations that result in amputations of the foot.

Long-term consequences, such as serious infections and ulceration, can occur but the good news is that many of these complications can be avoided with proper footcare and early intervention.canstockphoto3149090

Diabetes can cause nerve damage (also known as diabetes peripheral neuropathy – DPN) and poor blood flow or circulation to the legs and feet (also known as peripheral arterial disease – PAD). As a result, people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Also, diabetes can make these injuries more difficult to heal. Unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications. Injury can occur from improperly fitting shoes as well. That’s why the Canadian Diabetes Association recommends annual foot examination and instruction on proper foot care to avoid these risks of irritations and severe complications.

Daily Foot Care

As always, prevention is the best medicine. A good daily foot care routine will help keep your feet healthy.

The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends the following routine:

Start by assembling a foot care kit containing nail clippers, nail file, lotion, and a non-breakable hand mirror. Having everything you need in one place makes it easier to follow this foot care routine every day:

  1. Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
  2. Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
  3. Thoroughly visually inspect your feet and check between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, redness, swelling, serious callouses, bleeding, etc. Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you. If redness, swelling, broken skin are present, or you are otherwise worried about anything you see, contact your physician immediately.
  4. Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.
  5. Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don’t cut the nails too short.
  6. Apply a good lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection.
  7. Wear fresh clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see.

Best Advice

Do:

  • Wear well-fitting shoes. They should be supportive, have low heels (less than five centimetres high) and should not rub or pinch. See your pedorthist to get professionally fitted.
  • Buy shoes in the late afternoon (since your feet swell slightly by then).
  • Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.
  • Elevate your feet when you are sitting.
  • Wiggle your toes and move your ankles around for a few minutes several times a day to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.
  • Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
  • Inspect your feet daily and in particular, feel for skin temperature differences between your feet.

Don’t:

  • Use over-the-counter medications to treat corns and warts. They are dangerous for people with diabetes.
  • Wear anything tight around your legs, such as tight socks or knee-highs.
  • Ever go barefoot, even indoors. Consider buying a pair of well-fitting shoes that are just for indoors.
  • Put hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.
  • Sit or cross your legs for long periods of time.
  • Smoke. Smoking decreases circulation and healing, and significantly increases the risks of amputation.
  • Wear over-the-counter insoles – they can cause blisters if they are not right for your feet. If you need additional support or develop pressure points, visit your physician for a referral to your pedorthist for professional assistance with your condition.

 

Start Your Journey Toward Pain-Free Living Today!

Get in touch with us at 705-342-7728 or at info@soundorthotics.com or come visit us at our 8 Murray Point Road location and set up your footcare consultation appointment.

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