Diabetes can be damaging to your feet, even a little cut can have negative effects. Therefore, diabetic foot care is crucial. Diabetes can harm your nerves and rob you of feeling in the feet. Diabetes can also lessen blood flow to your feet, which makes it more difficult to heal wounds and fend off infections.
You might not notice any foreign object in the shoe because of these issues. You can consequently get a sore or a blister. This might result in an infection or a wound that does not heal, and podiatrist BCBS may even suggest an amputation.
Follow these recommendations of a Blue Cross Blue Shield podiatrist to prevent catastrophic foot issues that could lead to the loss of a foot, leg, or toe.
1. Change your shoes regularly
There are now shoes available for diabetics from shoe manufacturers. Odor is one of the most typical issues with foot care. Frequently switching shoes can assist to avoid this issue. It is time to replace them with another pair if a shoe begins to smell.
2. Wash your feet regularly
Regular foot washing will keep your feet clean and healthy. This is crucial if they are often prone to sweating or calloused hands according to podiatrist Blue Cross Blue Shield.
After giving them a soapy bath, thoroughly dry them. To wash the feet before bed, have a pumice stone/scrub brush. When wearing shoes, always wear socks. This will assist in keeping your feet dry and warm.
3. Take scrubs/pumice stones
Bring out the pumice stone/scrub brush in case you are diabetic and are prone to calluses or even ulcers. You should scrub your feet every day and wash them once a week. By doing this, infection and other issues can be avoided.
4. Every night use a foot soak
Due to their dry skin, people with diabetes are more susceptible to fungal infections, thus it is crucial to constantly use a foot soak at night.
Your feet will stay wet and the risk of infection will be decreased by the soak. Additionally, it can aid in your battle against other fungal illnesses such as an athlete’s foot.
5. Exercise
Regular exercise can help avoid the possibility of progressive diabetes-related flaccid foot muscles. Infection and ulcer prevention depends heavily on this.
6. Wear ventilated shoes
Tight footwear can worsen calluses, cause blisters, and limit blood flow to the feet. Put on breathable, vented shoes to prevent blisters from developing on your feet.
7. Learn about diabetic shoes
You will probably spend plenty of time in the sun if you have diabetes. You might want to make sure that your footwear is created with materials that are suitable for diabetics because sunlight might harm the skin.
8. Start your foot care plan
Diabetics ought to begin a foot-care regimen. Start by washing regularly your feet, removing sweaty shoes, and having a nightly foot soak.
You can begin everyday foot care after your infection has subsided and you have had a chance to allow your calluses to soften. Future infections and other issues will be less likely as a result.
