As a diabetic, it is important that you do a diabetic foot exam on your feet every day. First of all, as a diabetic, you should have a relationship with a podiatrist, or foot and ankle specialist, and he or she should have good communication with you and your primary care physician. As a team, the three of you can keep your diabetic feet healthy. Here are a few of the basic recommended things you can do at home to help with your diabetes foot care.
Daily foot exam: Take a look at your feet every day, top and bottom. It may be helpful to take a hand-held mirror and look at the bottom of your feet as well. You need to examine your feet every day and after any trauma you may experience no matter how minor you think it is. Trauma is just a fancy word for any sort of physical injury or bump to your feet. Tell your podiatrist about anything like this that happens.
Foot Cream: apply a moisturizing cream on your feet every day on the top and bottom of your feet, but never between your toes.
Socks: Avoid wearing tight elastic socks or nylons. They can cut off or impair your circulation without you being aware of it. Wear cotton or wool socks instead. Nylons can cause shearing and they trap moisture and do not allow your skin to breathe.
Clear the Area: Make sure the area where you walk is clear of clutter. get any items you're likely to trip over or bump into out of the way.
Footwear: Make sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes wherever possible to help protect your feet. You may qualify for diabetic shoes through the Medicare shoe program. At Prairie Path Foot and Ankle clinic and Schaumburg Foot and Ankle clinic, we are certified to fit our qualifying patients with Dr. Comfort brand shoes. Please visit our office in Elmhurst or Schaumburg Illinois to see if you qualify.
Taking these simple measures at home along with a comprehensive plan of diabetic footcare and surveillance with the help of your podiatrist will keep your feet healthy, and will keep you active and healthy.
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