Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents the condition of high blood glucose levels, which over time can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves. Diabetes can also reduce our ability to fight with infections. As a result, people develop foot problems, which oftenturn serious.
Why does diabetes hurt my feet?
Diabetes may cause nerve damage in your feet making it difficult for you to feel any sensation. A sore or a cut on your foot may get worse as you do not know that it is there. This lack of feeling is caused by nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet making it harder to heal the injury or fight with an infection. Smoking when you have diabetes makes the blood flow problems even worse. The bad infection may cause gangrene leading to the death of skin and tissue around the sore.
How can I take care of my feet?
You must be fully aware of how to prevent foot problems before they occur. Although effective treatment for diabetic foot is available, it is always best to have good control of blood sugar level to avoid the diabetic complications.
- Wash your feet with lukewarm (not hot) water daily. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Don’t forget to dry your feet, especially between the toes.
- Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, red spots, swelling or nail problems. You can use a mirror to have a better look.
- Keep your skin soft and healthy. Rub lotion on your feet and sole, but not between the toes, to keep them soft and smooth.
- Cut nails carefully. Don’t cut the nails too short. Cut them straight across and file the sharp edges.
- Wear slippers or shoes to avoid injuries. Never walk barefoot. Remember to wear shoes that fit well. Feel your shoes from inside before wearing if any foreign body is there which may cause an injury.
- Wear clean dry socks. Avoid the wrong type of socks. Do not use tight elastic socks or thick socks (they can cause sweating and irritation).
- Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Do not cross the legs for longer time. Put your legs up while sitting. Do ankle exercises for 5 minutes and move your toes and ankle 2-3 times in a day.
- Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control. Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor on time.
- Don’t smoke because smoking restricts the blood flow to your feet.
- Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet from today itself.
