Diabetic Foot

In many patients with diabetes and circulatory problems, the feet are at special risk. There are three reasons for this. First, the feet are the most used part of the body, and therefore suffer the most wear and tear. Second, in many cases, the nerves are damaged by diabetes or poor circulation, so the ability to feel pain from foot problems is impaired. Finally, lack of circulation in many cases makes it more difficult for the feet to recover from minor injuries or infections. For these reasons, it is very important for anyone with diabetes or circulatory problems to take special care of their feet. By sticking to a program of preventive care, serious problems leading to amputation can usually be avoided.

1. NEVER GO BAREFOOT, EVEN IN THE HOUSE. Shoes should have foam rubber inner soles, good arch support, and be wide enough to fit one finger inside the shoe next to the ball of the foot. Special shoes are often unnecessary; you can buy excellent walking shoes or sneakers (Rockport, New Balance, Dr. Scholl's, etc.) for less than $75. Just make sure they are wide enough.

2. NO SOAP ON THE FEET. NO HOT WATER OR SOAKS. SHOWERS AND BATHS ARE OK, BUT FOOT SOAKS ARE DANGEROUS. WASH YOUR FEET EVERY DAY USING PLAIN WATER.

3. LOOK AT YOUR FEET, USING A MIRROR FOR THE BOTTOMS, EVERY DAY AFTER WASHING. IF YOU CAN'T SEE WELL, HAVE SOMEONE ELSE LOOK FOR YOU. IF ANY SORES, BLISTERS OR RED SPOTS APPEAR, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

4. AFTER WASHING, DRY WELL BETWEEN TOES AND APPLY ANTIFUNGAL POWDER (SUCH AS DESENEX).

5. BEFORE BED, APPLY EUCERIN CREAM TO BOTH FEET AND LEGS BELOW THE KNEES.

6. HAVE A PODIATRIST TRIM YOUR NAILS. TRIMMING THEM YOURSELF CAN BE DANGEROUS.

7. NO SMOKING: CIGARETTES CAUSE SEVERE CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS.

8. DO NOT TRY TO TREAT FOOT PROBLEMS YOURSELF. CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR PODIATRIST IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE OR FEEL ANYTHING ABNORMAL.

REMEMBER, DANGEROUS PROBLEMS CAN DEVELOP WITHOUT CAUSING PAIN. THIS IS WHY LOOKING AT YOUR FEET EVERY DAY IS SO IMPORTANT.

If you stick to this program, it is unlikely that you will ever develop severe foot problems. Even people with severe diabetes, neuropathy, and circulatory problems can keep their feet healthy by following these directions.