How to Screen Diabetic Feet at Home
A foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the skin that cannot heal properly. Individuals with diabetes, especially those who have neuropathy (nerve damage) in their legs and feet, are a higher risk of developing foot ulcers than most people without diabetes.
Taking care of your feet is important if you have diabetes. By following a few simple steps, you can help prevent foot problems. Here are the steps for checking your feet for diabetes-related issues:
- Check your feet daily: Examine your feet or ask someone to check them for any changes or injuries. Look for any redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, or sores.
- Wash your feet daily: Keeping your feet clean is essential to prevent infections. Use mild soap and warm water to wash your feet gently. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear supportive shoes and socks: Protect your feet by wearing comfortable shoes that provide good support. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and high heels. Wear clean, dry socks made of natural fibers to keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
- Promote blood flow to the feet: Keep your blood flowing properly to your feet by elevating them when sitting, wiggling your toes periodically, and engaging in regular exercise. This helps maintain healthy blood circulation.
- Trim nails carefully: Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short. Avoid rounding the corners as this can cause ingrown toenails, which may lead to infection.
- Care for corns and bunions: If you have corns or bunions, be gentle when treating them. Avoid shaving corns as it increases the risk of infection.
- Protect feet from extreme temperatures: Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can damage the feet of people with diabetes. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and avoid walking barefoot on hot surfaces or in cold weather.
It is important to see a doctor regularly if you have diabetes as part of your foot care routine. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these changes:
- Changes in skin color on the foot
- Swelling in the foot or ankle
- Temperature changes in the feet
- Persistent sores on the feet
- Pain or tingling in the feet or ankles
- Ingrown toenails
- Athlete's foot or other fungal infections of the feet
- Dry, cracked skin on the heels
- Signs of infection
If you notice any of these changes, contact a healthcare professional promptly for further evaluation and appropriate treatment, including:
- Checking blood glucose levels
- Conducting X-rays to look for underlying damage
- Testing for nerve damage and sensation
- Doing bloodwork to check for signs of infection
Remember, taking care of your feet is an essential part of managing diabetes. By following these steps and seeking medical attention, when necessary, you can help prevent complications and maintain healthy feet.