Having diabetes, as you know, can result in inconveniences or even health complications–but it doesn’t have to. With effective foot care management and daily routines, you can save yourself from foot pain, ulcers, and even amputation. Our home health aides at Angels Senior Home Solutions are here to help you manage your diabetes and implement a prevention routine to keep your feet in tip-top shape. Read on to learn some of the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods of diabetes-related foot problems.

Causes

Did you know that 70 percent of diabetics have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage? This nerve damage makes it difficult for you to feel any foot pain, so you might not realize there is an issue right away. (Don’t worry; we’ve provided warning signs that you can see with a regular prevention routine.) Diabetes can impair normal sweat secretion and oil production on the skin of your feet, so abnormal pressure on your feet’s skin, bones, and joints during walking can lead to a breakdown of the skin and foot sores. Bacterial infection of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and bones may then occur. Sound gross? It sure does. That’s why prevention is so important–so you don’t have to worry about these foot problems in the first place!

Symptoms

So if you can’t feel pain that signals a foot problem, how can you tell that something’s not right? Here are a few visual warning signs:

• Cuts
• Cracks
• Redness
• Bruises
• Swelling

Seeing a foot specialist regularly can be very helpful, especially if you notice these symptoms. He or she can tell you what’s going on with your feet, how to better take care of them, and which therapeutic shoes might work well for you.

Prevention

Recent studies have shown that a proper foot care program can reduce amputations by up to 85 percent. Here are some ways to take care of your tootsies and prevent complications:

• Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water, and dry them gently.
• Inspect your feet daily, checking for those cuts, cracks, and other warning signs.
• See a foot specialist at least once a year.
• Carefully trim your toenails regularly.
• Keep the skin on your feet soft and smooth.
• Don’t go barefoot (even around the house).
• Wear clean, dry socks made from fabrics like cotton that pull sweat away from the skin. Avoid nylon socks or those with tight elastic bands.
• Buy therapeutic shoes that fit properly (to the exact shape of your feet), cushion your feet, and evenly distribute your weight.
• If you smoke, stop – once you do, you’ll have better circulation and more oxygen in your blood.
• Keep your foot specialist on speed dial just in case you notice any foot injuries or changes to the skin.
• Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and carefully monitor your blood sugar.

Although the treatment for diabetic foot problems has greatly improved in recent years, it all starts with a good prevention routine. If you have an Angels home health aide, he or she can help you wash your feet, eat well, visit your foot specialist, and more to prevent these issues. If you have any questions about diabetes, prevention, or home health care, please let us know!

Angels Senior Home Solutions is a based-in-faith company that provides in-home healthcare and personal care services for seniors. Visit our website here or find us on Facebook or Twitter!