When we think about managing diabetes, it’s often blood sugar levels, healthy eating and regular exercise that come to mind. Yet one of the most important parts of staying healthy is often overlooked – our feet.
Our feet work hard every single day, but for people living with diabetes they need a little extra attention. Reduced circulation and nerve damage can make it difficult to feel cuts, blisters or pressure points, meaning even a minor problem can quickly become something much more serious if it’s ignored.
The good news? A few minutes each day can make all the difference.
Getting into the habit of checking your feet daily is one of the simplest and most effective ways to spot problems early. Look for cuts, grazes, blisters, changes in skin colour, swelling or anything that doesn’t seem quite right. Don’t forget to check the soles of your feet, your heels and between your toes too. If bending down is difficult, a hand mirror can make those hard-to-see areas much easier to inspect.
If you notice redness, warmth or areas of hard skin, these could be early signs that your footwear is causing pressure or rubbing. Likewise, if you develop a blister, it’s best to leave it intact, as the skin acts as a natural barrier against infection. However, if a blister bursts, becomes painful or begins to leak fluid, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The same goes for ingrowing toenails, swelling around the ankles or thickened, yellow nails, which may indicate a fungal infection.
Good foot hygiene is just as important. Wash your feet daily using warm – never hot – water and mild soap, taking extra care if you have reduced sensation. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, and apply a moisturising cream containing at least 25% urea to keep the skin soft and healthy. Just remember to avoid applying cream between the toes, where excess moisture can lead to skin problems.
Choosing the right footwear also plays a huge role in protecting your feet. Well-fitting shoes made from softer materials can help prevent rubbing and blisters, while wearing supportive slippers or shoes indoors protects against accidental injuries from sharp objects around the home.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of regular professional foot care. Booking an appointment with a Foot Health Practitioner every six to eight weeks allows your circulation and sensation to be checked, while any hard skin, fungal nails or non-infected in growing toenails can be treated safely before they become bigger issues.
After all, healthy feet help keep us active, independent and enjoying everything our community has to offer. A little care today can help keep you comfortably on your feet for many years to come.
For advice on all things relating to healthy feet then please feel free to give local health practitioner Daniel Banks a call or send him a whats app message on 07722 304347