Foot care should not be ignored. Ignoring feet could prove to be a major issue especially in persons with diabetes.– Why? What? How?
In our busy day to day lifestyle, we often forget to take care of ourselves and the most ignored is our feet. This could prove to be a major issue especially in persons with diabetes.
Why?
Diabetics have three major problems that lead to foot problems.
1. Reduced blood supply
2. Weak nerve endings (peripheral neuropathy)
3. Higher risk of infection.
Most diabetics within a few years of disease begin to develop Peripheral neuropathy (weakness of the small nerves of the feet and hands). This makes them less sensitive to feel pain, irritation or change in temperature in their feet compared to normal people. So a small cut or blister may go unnoticed. This gets easily infected and may become septic. So even a harmless looking small wound may end in complications like infection or gangrene.
What?
Shoe bites, small blisters, cracked heels, nail infections, foot fungus can all be dangerous if you have diabetes.
How?
So how do you prevent feet problems? Follow these simple steps to have healthy feet.
1. Good Foot Hygeine – Wash your feet gently with lukewarm water daily. Do not rub vigorously at calluses or cracked heels. Moisturise with a light cream preferably fragrance free. But remember to keep skin between toes dry and clean.
2. Daily foot inspection – Inspect your feet daily for any blisters, small cuts or wounds, changes in color of skin, ingrown nails etc. Do not try to remove any corns or calluses by yourself. Do not rub at cracked heels vigourously.
3. Wear the right footwear – Find good comfortable footwear. Make sure it does not constrict your toes or heels. Make sure the insides are soft so that you don’t get any shoe bites. Go for ones with soft soles with good arch support.
4. Do not smoke – Smoking causes reduced blood supply to the feet.
5. Keep your blood sugars under control. So in case of any infections they can be easily treated.
6. Have regular check ups with your family doctor. He/ She will motivate you to keep your sugar under check, inspect your feet for any early signs of injury or infection and answer your queries and doubts.
Dr Krithika Ganesh
Consultant Physician
The Pocket Family Doctor
A unit of Karthik Clinic and Karthik Ultrasound scan center
Arekere MICO layout, Bannerghatta road
Bangalore- 560076
Mob: 99164 26118
