Do you care for someone who has diabetes ? Do they take care of their feet?
Do you care for someone who has diabetes ?
Do they take care of their feet?
It is important to look after your feet if you have diabetes as the condition can reduce the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling. This can mean foot injuries do not heal well, and some people do not notice if their foot is sore or injured. If you have poor vision you may not notice changes in your feet. This is why carers can play an important role in caring for their feet.
If foot problems are not treated promptly and properly, ulcers can develop, which can cause long term problems, and in the worst cases can lead to amputation of toes or feet.
Everyone with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year at their GP practice, podiatrist or hospital. They will assess your feet for the risk of developing an ulcer. In North Derbyshire we have designed leaflets that will be issued to patients after their foot check which provides them with practical advice about caring for their feet which they are able to share with their carers.
Foot care tips if you have diabetes
• Check feet daily – for signs of any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain, swelling, heat or redness
• Wash feet daily – in warm water using a mild soap, rinse thoroughly especially between the toes. Do not soak the feet.
• Moisturise daily – on dry feet but not between the toes
• Cut or file your toenails regularly – follow the curve of the end of the toe, leave no sharp edges and do not cut the sides of the nail
• Socks, stocking and tights – change them every day and avoid those with bulky seams or elasticated tops
• Shoes
o Wear shoes that fit well and don’t squeeze or rub.
o Check the soles of shoes to ensure sharp objects have not pierced the sole or small objects e.g. stones are in the shoe.
• Corn remedies – do not use over the counter remedies. If you have diabetes they need to be treated by a podiatrist.
• Blisters – do not burst blisters
• Stop smoking – smoking impairs the blood circulation, particularly in people with diabetes and it can seriously worsen foot and leg problems.
You should see your podiatrist or doctor urgently if:
• you notice breaks in the skin of your foot, or discharge, which you should cover with a sterile dressing
• the skin over part or all of the foot changes colour and becomes more red, blue, pale or dark
• you notice extra swelling in your feet where there was a blister or injury
If you see anything new (such as a cut, bruise, blister, redness or bleeding) and don’t know what to do, contact the podiatrist or your GP practice. If in doubt, contact your GP, because catching problems early makes a big difference.
Dr Rebecca Davenport
North Derbyshire Diabetes Footcare Group