10 Tips to Protect Your Feet
Foot Care Tip 3. Ensure your shoes fit perfectly.
It's crucial to invest wisely in your footwear. Even the slightest discomfort or an ill-fitting shoe can lead to blisters, which can quickly turn into stubborn infections. Don't hesitate to invest in better-fitting shoes, or try different socks at the first hint of redness or irritation. Keep in mind that, due to diabetic neuropathy, you might not be able to feel when a problem is escalating. Before putting on your shoes, inspect them for rough seams, sharp edges, or any objects that could harm your feet. Additionally, remember to break in your shoes gradually.
Foot Care Tip 4. Avoid going barefoot.
Always wear shoes or slippers. Pair your shoes with socks, as materials like leather, plastic, and synthetic fabrics can be harsh on your skin and lead to the formation of blisters. While you may prefer the look of hose, nylon knee-highs, or thin socks, thicker socks can offer better protection for your toes and heels.
Foot Care Tip 5. Maintain open communication.
Nerve damage can be unpredictable. Don't hesitate to inform your doctor about any changes in sensation in your toes, feet, or legs. Speak up if you experience pain, tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, or any other unusual signs, no matter how minor they may seem. When it comes to the potential of a foot amputation, there's no room for triviality.
Foot Care Tip 6. Keep your skin soft yet dry.
Elevated glucose levels can result in dry and cracked skin, creating a welcoming environment for bacteria and making infections harder to heal. Apply a modest amount of skin lotion daily, ensuring that your feet feel dry, not damp or sticky afterward. Avoid applying lotion between your toes. Keeping your toenails trimmed and smooth can help prevent ingrown toenails. You may find it easier to trim your nails after applying lotion when your cuticles are softer. Additionally, use a pumice stone to gently address corns or calluses after bathing or showering.
Foot Care Tip 7. Explore low-impact exercise.
Activities like swimming, cycling, yoga, and tai chi are gaining popularity as forms of exercise that place minimal stress on your feet. Before embarking on an exercise program, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Foot Care Tip 8. Address bunions, corns, and hammertoes.
If you've noticed that your big toe slants sharply toward your other toes, accompanied by a noticeable bump on the knuckle, you may be dealing with a classic bunion. Corns, on the other hand, are areas of thick, rough skin that develop due to continuous rubbing or pressure on your toes. A buckled-under toe, known as a hammertoe, can be the result of muscle weakness caused by diabetic nerve damage. These issues can make finding comfortable shoes a challenge. Seeking assistance from a podiatrist (a foot care specialist) can help you address these problems and maintain optimal foot health.