Diabetic Feet
Diabetes is a serious condition, however, if you manage it properly you can live a perfectly normal life.
Diabetes can affect your feet, in some cases it can affect the blood supply, in other cases it might affect the feeling in the foot, particularly reduced sensation in parts of the foot, which is why we need to take particular care of them.
Here is some useful advice to help you care for your diabetic feet. However, if you are at all concerned about your feet, always take advice from your Doctor, Diabetic Nurse or Podiatrist.
1. Take care of your Diabetes, try to keep your blood sugars in a good range.
2. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red areas or swelling. Use a mirror to look underneath your feet if you canât bend to see properly, or get someone to look for you.
3. Wash your feet every day in warm clean water. Dry them well, especially between the toes.
4. Keep your skin soft and smooth, use foot lotion or moisturiser over the top and bottom of your feet, but not between the toes.
5. Gently smooth corns or callouses you have with a pumice stone only, donât use sharp objects or over the counter products such as acid based corn plasters.
6. If you can comfortably see and reach your feet, trim toenails straight across and file them smooth. Do not be tempted to cut the corners round.
7. Always wear shoes and socks, never walk around barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Make sure the lining inside is smooth and not creased, and before you put them on, make sure there is nothing inside.
8. Protect your feet from hot and cold, always wear shoes wherever you are walking including poolside, the beach and on grass. If you do get cold feet at night, wear a pair of preferably cotton or wool socks. Donât test the bath water with your feet, remember they might be less sensitive, and for the same reason donât put hot water bottles on your feet.
9. To keep the blood flowing in your feet, put them up whilst you are sitting, take time to wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2/3 times a day. Donât cross your legs for long periods, and very importantly - donât smoke.
10. Be as active as you can, it helps all of your body, but especially your feet.
11. If you cut or bruise your feet and it doesnât begin to heal after 1 day, or shows signs of infection or redness, get them checked out by a Doctor or Podiatrist
your feet are in safe hands.
In our lifetime our feet will walk an average of 70,000 miles. This is the equivalent to walking 4 times around the world!
In this time, we will experience the âbreaking inâ of new shoes, blisters, corns, infections as well as generalised foot and ankle pain.
Contented Soles are trained to evaluate, diagnose and manage all conditions relating to the lower limb.
Podiatry, Orthotics and Complementary Therapies
We offer a range of treatments. Find out more on our treatments section. Also, please see our advice section for all sorts of tips and information.