Foot care is essential for people with diabetes. Diabetes can impede blood circulation in the foot and can also affect nerve endings which can cause peripheral neuropathy. Poor blood circulation will affect oxygenation in your foot, which may cause poor tissue healing. Insensitivity due to nerve problems brought about by diabetes can also increase your risk of foot injury.
Foot care for diabetes is essential for the prevention of wounds and better recovery from them.
Here are the guidelines for you to do so:
- Get professional foot advice from a podiatrist at least every 6 months.
- Be foot hygienic; clean your feet including the areas between your toes.
- Have a closer look at your foot every now and then; watch out for sores, cuts, bruises, changes on toenails. You may use a mirror to look at the sole of your foot.
- Live a better and healthier lifestyle; loose weight, do not smoke, and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Remember to cut your nails straight across and not into the corners.
- Always consult a podiatrist when you find corns and calluses; never attempt to remove them yourself.
- Avoid being barefoot even when you are at home; this depletes the chance of getting accidental injuries.
- Find comfortable and well fitted foot wear; poor footwear for people with diabetes can cause many problems.
- Do not wear tight socks or hosiery; they can impede circulation.
The The Fresh Foot Centre team of podiatrists have more than many years of combined experience to precisely assess and diagnose your condition. We have state-of-the-art 3D foot imaging laser scanner and computerised pressure plate system which we utilise to assess conditions and make the right orthotics when required.