5 Steps for Proper Diabetic Foot Care
It’s a nasty cycle. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause people with diabetes to not even be aware of minor cuts, blisters or pressure sores on their feet. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot.
Without proper diabetic foot care, these minor injuries can lead to complications that may result in ulceration and possibly even amputation.
That’s why proper diabetic foot care is so important. Good diabetic foot care involves making your feet part of your daily routine, including these simple steps:
1. Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling or infected toenails. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help with your diabetic foot care if you have trouble bending over to see your feet.
2. Wash your feet often. The next step in good diabetic foot care is washing your feet in warm — not hot — water every day. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes, and use talcum powder to keep the skin dry between the toes. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, because this might cause infection.
3. Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. Always wear seamless socks, stockings, and nylons with your shoes to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Always check the insides of your shoes before putting them on.
4. Keep the blood flowing. Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for five minutes, two or three times a day.
5. Make Liberty part of your diabetic foot care. It may be hard to see the connection, but proper monitoring of your blood sugar can have a direct effect on the health of your feet. And proper monitoring starts with having the right equipment for home testing. Liberty Medical Supply provides reliable, consistent home delivery of diabetes products, including:
- Blood glucose meters and batteries
- Test strips
- Lancing devices and lancets
- Control solution
- Hemoglobin A1c tests
If you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered, whether you use insulin or not. Liberty Medical diabetic supplies can help determine if you are eligible. Call toll-free 1-800-827-2102.
Tags: diabetes complications, diabetic foot care, diabetic neuropathy
