Diabetic Foot Care: Your Essential Guide

How to keep your feet healthy

As a result of diabetes, the nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet can be damaged. This can reduce the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy) and the circulation in your feet (ischaemia). These can be gradual and subtle changes that happen over time and you may not notice them. That is why it is essential to have your feet screened and assessed by a podiatrist every year. You will then be able to agree a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Your feet are important

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you are much more likely to develop problems with your feet. In the most severe cases these could result in an amputation. Most amputations can be prevented by taking good care of your feet and checking them regularly. This will also significantly reduce your risk of developing foot problems.

Stop smoking

It is strongly advised to stop smoking if you have diabetes. Smoking affects your circulation and is one of the causes of amputation.

Washing your feet daily

Washing your feet every day in warm water with a soap is imperative. Rinse and dry thoroughly and carefully including between the toes. Avoid soaking so that your skin does not suffer any damage by developing a fungal infection and escalate into a severe infection. Since you may not feel hot and cold very well due to diabetes, ensure to test water with your elbow or ask someone to test water for you.

Daily checks

You should be checking your feet every day for redness, blisters, skin breakage, swelling or heat. If you find it difficult to do this yourself, ask help from your partner, family member or a carer.

Moisturising

Moisturise your feet daily, especially if your skin is dry. Avoid areas between your toes.

Toenail care

If you cut your toe nails yourself, do this carefully by cutting the nails straight across, not too short or down into the corners.  You should file your nails regularly to ensure there are no sharp edges which could cut the adjacent toe.

Socks, stockings and tights

Socks, stockings and tights should be changed every day, they should not have bulky seams and tops should not be elasticated.

Avoid walking barefoot

Walking barefoot increases your risk of injury.

Do not break in your shoes

Your feet will suffer if you attempt to break your shoes in. Ensure your shoes are well-fitting from the start and where possible, ask your shoe shop to measure your feet.

Do not attempt removal of hard skin and corns

Never use corn plasters, lotions, razors or knives to remove hard skin and corns. This could bring an unwanted injury to the skin, which could cause an infection or ulceration.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, we deliver exceptional care in the familiar surroundings of your own home. We provide personalised private diabetes home care tailored to individual needs in London and the Home Counties. To learn more about our care services and how we can assist with your needs, please reach out to our team at 020 3008 5210 or email us info@cavendishhomecare.com. We are here to discuss further and address any questions or concerns you may have.