Living with Diabetes: Foot Care

Those with diabetes are more likely to have foot problems, which can pose serious health risks. Complications from simple, easily treated injuries can result in much bigger problems and it’s important for people with diabetes to take extra care of their feet.

Foot Care Tips

Manage your blood glucose and make every effort to keep it in the target range. Keep blood flowing while sitting by putting your feet up, wiggling your toes and not crossing your legs.
Wash your feet daily and apply lotion to keep the skin supple and smooth. Similarly, keep toenails trimmed which can help prevent foot fungus and infection.
Wear socks and shoes at all times and examine your feet daily to check for wounds, cuts, blisters and swelling. Never walk barefoot which exposes the feet to damage from foreign objects as well as athlete’s foot. Ask your doctor about diabetic footwear which can help prevent ulcers and calluses.
Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures. Nerve damage due to neuropathy can reduce sensitivity and lead to burns or frostbite.

Professional Foot Exam

Have a professional examine your feet once a year.

Monofilament Test: In this exam, the doctor takes a piece of nylon fishing line and presses it against various locations on the foot to test for sensation.
Pinprick Test: Not as common as it once was, the pinprick test uses a safety pin gently pressed against the bottom of the foot. Many doctors have discontinued use because of the possibility of breaking the skin and introducing infection.
Vibration Test: A tuning fork is pinged and pressed against the foot to test for sensitivity for vibration.
Reflex Test: By tapping on the Achilles’ tendon, the foot should move down in a pointing motion. Depending on the speed of the foot’s reaction, the doctor can determine if neuropathy is an issue.

A podiatrist can perform tests to determine sensitivity and check for neuropathy. Click here to make an appointment.

Foot care. (2013, June 7). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/foot-care.html

Gebel, E. (2013, April). What to expect at a foot exam. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/foot-care.html