Body Wise*

*The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose or treat ANY medical condition.

Take A Step Forward and Take Care Of Your Feet

By Bev Bromfield

If you have diabetes, good foot care begins with you. People with diabetes are prone to poor circulation and nerve damage. Such complications make it easier to develop sores and ulcers that lead to amputation. Taking care of your feet, receiving proper medical care and keeping blood sugar levels close to normal help avoid problems before they start.

Keep feet clean and dry. Wash feet daily with a mild soap and dry them carefully, especially between toes. To avoid dry, cracked skin, keep skin soft and smooth by rubbing a thin coat of lotion on the tops and bottoms of the feet, not between the toes, which can stay moist. Avoid lotions with alcohol which have a drying effect. Don’t soak feet; this can dry skin excessively and lead to infections.

Check feet daily for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, and infections. Look between the toes. Use a mirror if you can’t see the sides or bottoms of your feet. Or ask a family member or friend to help you. If injuries or changes in foot color, shape or feeling are noticed, contact a health care provider immediately.

Never walk barefoot, not even indoors. Always wear properly fitting shoes or slippers to protect the feet. If carpet is present don’t assume it’s safe. Small pieces of glass, wood or bacteria that can cause infections may be present. Wear swimmer’s shoes if swimming. Protect your feet, especially if loss of sensation is present. Loss of sensation or nerve damage can lead to accidental injuries such as stepping on a nail or tack without being aware of it. Such injuries lead to sores and ulcers.

Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Buy shoes that fit well to prevent blisters or sores (even small sores can lead to serious problems.) Purchase new shoes in the afternoon when feet may be swollen. When trying on shoes, check that the ball of the foot rests in the widest part of the shoe. Walk a few steps and look for signs of a poor fit, such as too much space between the heel and back of the shoe. Be sure adequate toe space is available. When breaking in new shoes wear them for an hour the first day, building up until shoes feel comfortable. Check feet for redness after removing shoes. This indicates a poor fit. Always check inside shoes before wearing them, making sure the lining is smooth and no objects are present to cause irritations. When exercising, wear shoes appropriate for the activity — whether running, walking, or golfing.

Choosing the right kind of shoe can help prevent injury. If you need help fitting shoes, work with a pedorthist, a professional shoe fitter trained in foot anatomy and shoe construction. Initials indicating someone is a nationally trained pedorthist are “C Ped.”

Socks are important, too. Always wear clean, properly fitting socks with shoes. Wear socks made from acrylic or synthetic material such as Cool Max: These wick moisture away from the skin. Don’t wear socks that are too tight or too loose. Socks that bind may cut off circulation to the feet and legs. Choose socks without seams and that have not been mended or have holes. Socks shaped like feet are preferable to tube socks — these tend to thin at the heel and bunch up in front. Padded athletic socks can provide extra protection.

Protect your circulation. Diabetes causes blood vessels of the feet and legs to narrow and harden. To help protect your circulation, don’t smoke; this makes arteries harden faster and wounds heal slowly. Put your feet up when you sit. Wiggle toes and flex feet up and down from time to time during the day. Don’t cross the legs for long periods of time. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. Exercise, such as walking, can help improve blood sugar levels and stimulate blood flow in the legs and feet.

Receive regular foot exams. If you have diabetes, obtain a complete foot examination from your health care provider at least annually (or more often if foot problems exist). Take off your shoes and socks while you wait to remind your health care provider to check your feet.

Preventive action ensures the ability to continue to take steps forward. For more information about diabetes and related health issues contact the American Diabetes Association at 800-342-2383.

Bev Bromfield is the program manager for the American Diabetes Association. Her office serves residents in Oregon and Southwest Washington. She can be reached at bbromfield@diabetes.org
or 503-736-2770, ext. 7294.