If you live with diabetes, you’ll already know that you have an increased risk of developing painful foot conditions such as ulcers and infection. However, taking care of your feet correctly can keep them in good health and reduce these risks, and your diabetes care team will be able to help you with this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best ways to care for your feet when you have diabetes. Our experienced foot specialists are always be willing to help you find solutions that suit you and your lifestyle, so pop in and visit us at Foot Solutions for more advice and to find comfortable, supportive footwear for every occasion.
Preventing Foot Problems: A Quick Guide
- Look at your lifestyle.
There are some key lifestyle factors that are extremely important when you have diabetes and paying attention to these can help keep your feet in great shape. Smoking is a big problem for people who are diabetic since it can affect blood circulation and compromise the essential blood flow to your feet. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is also a vital factor, reducing processed foods and choosing whole food options wherever possible. An active routine that enables regular exercise will help to protect your foot health as well as your general health, and staying mobile is one of the most important factors in longevity.
- Take care of your feet
A daily footcare routine is a very important way to protect your feet and identify any problems that may be developing. Wash and dry your feet carefully each day, or ask someone else to help you do this, and ask your foot specialist if they can recommend a moisturising cream or emollient cream that will help to keep your skin soft and supple. You should keep your toenails short and neat but take care not to cut the skin around them by mistake as this can lead to ulcers or infections. If you notice any sores, wounds or areas that feel numb, you should contact your diabetes care team as soon as possible.
- Wear good footwear
Shoes that do not fit you correctly may crush your toes together or rub against your skin and cause calluses or sores. Ideally, your shoes should be wide fitting, with a spacious toe box that allows your toes to spread. Flat or low-heeled shoes are recommended as these do not put as much pressure on your feet as high-heeled shoes, which can be very damaging. It is a good idea to have your shoes fitted by a professional to ensure that they are well suited to the shape of your feet, and you may find that a custom-made orthotic is helpful to improve alignment and ensure that your feet are supported in all the right places. When you buy new shoes, allow your feet to adjust to them gradually by building up the amount of time you wear them for.
- Don’t forget your socks
Your socks should be made of natural materials such as cotton, to allow your feet to breathe, and should not be too tight as this could affect your circulation. It is important to wear clean socks every day and to check your feet as you put your socks on and take them off. You may find it helps your circulation if you wear socks to bed at night, and this is a better option for your feet than heated packs or hot water bottles, which can cause burns or chilblains and damage the skin of the feet.
- Stay active
Maintaining an active lifestyle will be very important throughout your life, and increasing the level of activity in your daily routine can make a big difference to your foot health. You should avoid sitting still for long periods of time and ensure that you get up and move around every 20-30 minutes. You could take a short walk to improve your blood circulation to the feet or do a series of foot exercises to encourage this. Try circling your feet or drawing letters or numbers with your toes to get the joints of your ankles and feet moving.
Foot Care Advice at Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, we know that managing a condition such as diabetes can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. We know that the health of your feet can make a big difference to your general wellbeing, and we can support you in leading an active lifestyle without foot pain. We can offer you gait analysis and foot scans, as well as custom-made orthotics that can transform the way your feet feel inside your shoes.
There are seven Foot Solutions stores in Ireland, and we stock an extensive selection of sandals, shoes, boots, and training shoes for people with diabetes. If you are living with diabetes, or if you are experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, come in and visit us for a comprehensive foot health check.
