Foot Care

Foot problems are often related to our general health. Signs of arthritis, circulatory and neurological diseases, diabetes etc, are often observed first in the feet.

Good footcare is essential for healthy feet. Try to develop a routine of caring for your feet. Many problems can be avoided by a little regular care and attention.

CLEANLINESS
Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) soapy water. Never soak them. Rinse and dry carefully but never rub between the toes. Dry skin is a common feature of ageing. Apply lanolin or another emollient sparingly. Avoid dusting powders.

NAIL CUTTING
Cut regularly and never too short. Use a proper nail clippers. Cut nail straight across. Never cut down the sides of the nail groove. To dislodge debris from the sides of the nail use a soft nail brush or tooth brush – the long handle may be easier to manipulate. Use an emery board or file to reduce thickened nail. If the nails are too difficult to cut, visit your chiropodist (podiatrist) or public health nurse.

HEAT AND COLD
In winter keep your feet warm. Wear loose fitting woollen sock. Remember you may not realise that you may be cold. Keep your room warm. Walk and exercise. Eat wholesome food. Raise you feet and legs when sitting. Do not cross your legs and do not sit too close to fires or heaters (these factors may affect circulation). Remove hot water bottles from the bed before retiring. If you get your feet wet, bathe them in warm water and dry carefully as soon as possible.

FOOTWEAR
Wear good fitting lace up shoes with soft uppers. Soft rubber souls will be more comfortable. Have your feet measured. Expensive footwear is not necessarily good footwear. Avoid wearing slippers except for very short periods. Badly fitting socks and stockings can be harmful. Ensure that elastic stocking is suitable and one of proper design, and fit, to suit you. Never wear garters.

PROFESSIONAL CARE
Basic footwear may not always prevent problems arising. If your feet develop problems visit your General Practitioner or Chiropodist. Never attempt to treat corns or painful nails yourself unless under medical advice. Properly trained and approved chiropodists or your GP are available to treat most foot problems. You will be referred to others specialists if the need arises. Seek advice early and as often as required.

Personal

Welcome

Hi everybody

Greetings from Ireland.

A month ago my GP's locum phoned me up at 8pm and told me to go to the hospital immediately about the results of a routine blood test, then said he would come and pick me up and take me there himself!!!! Scary, they admitted me immediately and spent the next ten days with insulin injections and other meds. I'd been in hospital six months earlier with sclerosis of the liver and it turned out that my enlarged liver was pressing against my pancreas. Type 2 Diabetes was diagnosed.

I'm bi-polar as well - depression and mania for a good few years. This news didn't help. Then I went on the web. Great - continual risk of hypo or hyper coma, I'd eventually go blind and probably have a foot amputation after I graduated to Type 1. Heavy Stuff. BUT.......

The Good News : Diabetes Type 2 can be managed! I take my blood sugar readings everyday; careful about my diet; take my medication religiously; exercise (well I could do more); take care of my feet; got some new glasses (would you believe my eyesight has actually improved);joined this forum! I'll set up my own Diabetes Blog and I have.

If you want to add to this, feel free

Philip

Personal Blog: http://pjb-pjblog.live.com , http://pjb-pjblog.blogspot.com
Email: philipjamesbryan@live.com

Useful Links

https://euro1.tplusdiabetes.com/ Keep a diary of your blood sugar - online or on your mobile

Definitely worth a look

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp - The American Diabetes Association

http://www.dr2shoes.com/foothealth.asp - good site

http://www.diabetes.org.nz/about_diabetes/complications_of_diabetes/gum,_mouth_and_teeth_problems

It seems that diabetics are more prone to gum infections and teeth problems and denture problems, dry mouth and thrush.

http://www.officialdiabetesblog.com/ - Does what it says, join up and share.
Check out the Forum

More to come

If you find a site thats good please email me

philipjamesbryan@gmail.com

The Diabetic Foot

Routine foot care is critical for the prevention of diabetes-related complications. Infection, ulceration or gangrene that may lead to amputation is often preventable through proper care and regular visits to a podiatrist (Chiropodist)

Neuropathy

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is neuropathy, a condition that causes numbness, burning or tingling and diminishes sensation in the feet. Neuropathy is the impairment of nerve function due to decreased blood flow and increased blood sugars. Individuals suffering from neuropathy may not be able to feel open sores, infections or blisters that need to be treated.

Wound Healing Ulceration, another common occurrence with the diabetic foot, should be carefully treated and monitored by a podiatrist to avoid amputations. Poorly fitted shoes or something as trivial as a stocking seam can create a wound that may not be felt by someone whose level of skin sensation is diminished. Left unattended, such ulcers can quickly become infected and lead to more serious consequences.

Your podiatrist knows how to treat and prevent these wounds and can be an important factor in keeping your feet healthy and strong.

Do’s and Don’ts of Foot Care for Diabetics. If you have diabetes:

DO:
Wash and check your feet every day – look for sores, blisters, signs of infection or changes in your feet
Wear shoes and socks at all times, preferably thick, soft socks
Protect your feet from hot and cold
Keep the blood flowing to your feet
Cut toenails straight across
Exercise.
Lose weight
Give up smoking
Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes
Always wear properly fitting shoes to prevent injury and protect your feet
Visit your podiatrist on a regular basis

DON’T

Go barefoot
Wear high heels, sandals orshoes with pointed toes
Drink in excess
Wear anything that is too tightaround the legs
Remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself
People with diabetes should receive a thorough foot examination at least once a year to identify high-risk foot conditions. If you or someone you know has diabetes, please talk to your podiatrist about proper foot care and treatment.