Foot care and Diabetes go together like peas and carrots. Routine foot care should be an essential part of managing your condition. Foot problems are common in those living with diabetes making it crucial to keep your feet healthy and have ongoing, routine foot care as a part of your diabetes management regime.
Why It’s Important
- Diabetes may cause neuropathy (nerve damage) along with arterial disease (poor blood circulation).
- As a result, individuals with Diabetes are less likely to feel even the smallest of foot injuries. Left untreated, foot injuries can lead to infection and in severe cases, amputation. Ongoing, routine care can help you keep your feet healthy.
7 Action Steps for People Living with Diabetes:
1. Inspect your feet daily
Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises or sores.
Check for changes to the toenails (i.e. thickening and discolouration).
2. Exercise
Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation.
Helps to maintain ideal blood sugar levels.
3. Have new shoes properly measured & fitted
Foot size and shape may change over time.
4. Do not go barefoot
Do not go without shoes, even in your own home.
Inspect shoes prior to putting them on for foreign objects, animal hair, pebbles etc.
5. Wear seamless soft socks
Avoid socks with seams that may rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries.
White socks are best.
6. Never remove corns, calluses or warts by yourself
Over the counter products can burn the skin and cause irreversible damage to the foot for people with diabetes.
Moisturize your feet – apply cream to the top and bottom of the feet, not between the toes.
Do not soak your feet.
7. See your Chiropodist
Regular checkups by a Chiropodist– at least annually – are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy!
Have you had your initial Diabetes Foot Care Assessment?
Sign up today for your Initial Assessment with a Chiropodist. Assessment includes a full diabetic examination of both feet; a shoe assessment; education on potential risks; and information on how to better care for your feet.
Our full service Chiropody Clinic is up and running in Oakville and we are offering Mobile Chiropody in Etobicoke, Thornhill, Bayview, Barrie, Markham and Brampton.
From annual Diabetes foot risk assessments and nail pathologies, to pain in the feet, ankles, knees and back – Our Chiropody Team is here to help!