I support my feet because my feet support me! (Foot Care in General)

Member Name: barbara107

Product:	Foot Care in General
Date:	21/10/01 (241 review reads)
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Advantages: Good foot care = healthy feet

Disadvantages: Read Op

Why write about feet on a Sunday afternoon?

The reason is that tomorrow I have an appointment at the Diabetic Clinic with a chiropodist.

Having being diagnosed just over a year now it has become something that I have slowly gotten used to, although I still struggle not to squeal and laugh when she first touches my feet ..I really embarrass myself sometimes.

I think most of us take our feet for granted, and only really give them a second thought when they are aching! They are the creatures that hang off the bottom of our legs!

Over the years I have pushed my feet into shoes to high, too tight, too small. Worn boots all day until my feet have looked like shrivelled prunes, but all that has stopped now. I wear sensible shoes and always wear slippers in the house.

Special focus is put on to the feet of a Diabetic, especially as more has been learnt about the disease over the past 10 years or so.

The feet are a particular source of potential problems related to the complications of the disease process. Over time, increased blood sugar levels cause numerous problems to the blood vessels. Sugar-based substances line the walls of the small blood vessels and cause them to thicken and leak..sounds gross i know, but it is a fact of life.

Fatty deposits clog the arteries (atherosclerosis), reducing circulation and causing hardening of the arteries as well. When the circulation to the legs is decreased, the foot is at greater risk for injury and infection.

Diabetic neuropathy, damage to the nerves, is a second threat. When the nerves of the feet become damaged and the ability to feel pain, heat and cold, are diminished. This increases the chance of injury secondary to loss of feeling. Foot injuries may occur and go unnoticed until the foot becomes infected or skin break down has occurred. With some loss of sensation to the feet it is vital that you never fill a bath and step into it, always test the water
with you hands first, as you may sustain a scald before you even feel that the water is too hot.

Recently on holiday I hurt my toe quite badly whilst riding a bike, apart from the pain, which was bad, I felt a feeling of absolute panic, and took to my bed for the rest of the day, where I lay imagining how this might lead to me having my toe or foot off, my family thought I was being over dramatic, but it does happen.
It is important for diabetics to inspect their feet daily. Ordinary problems can lead to serious complications. About one of every five hospitalizations for diabetics involves foot problems. Any changes in the foot should be relayed to your doctor immediately.
This should include changes in colour or temperature, any loss of feeling or sensation, tingling, burning or pain should be noted. If injuries are sustained, they should be watched closely for signs of infection or slow healing.

Sometimes the skin of the feet becomes very dry and can crack and peel. Usually when this happens the nerves that control sweating have been damaged or no longer work. When the skin peels and cracks it leaves the foot open for increased chance of infection. You should dry your feet very well after bathing, being sure to dry between the toes really well. Moisture can be added by using a thin coat of salve, i.e., plain petroleum jelly or substances such as unscented oils or lotions. Never put lotions or creams between the toes, extra moisture in dark, moist places can lead to infections!!!

Calluses should be treated immediately. Diabetics tend to develop calluses faster and more often than others. If left untrimmed and treated, callouses will harden and thicken, they may even turn into open ulcers in time. Using a pumice stone daily will help keep calluses under control, afterwards using a little lotion of the area is recommended.

Foot ulcers are very dangerous for the diabetic. Any skin break down or open area should be checke
d by your doctor. The most common areas for ulcers to begin are the bottom of the big toe or the ball of the foot. At times ulcerations will occur on the sides of the feet, which is usually associated with ill fitting foot wear. It is very important for diabetics to check or have someone check their feet daily. A reddened area can quickly break down, a small ulceration may go undetected because of loss of feeling in the feet. Infections that occur in any foot ulceration can lead to the loss of a limb.

Here are some tips for caring for your feet if you are Diabetic, non Diabetics could also get some benefit from following this advice.

Avoid cutting off circulation to the feet, this includes sitting with your legs crossed.
•• Keep your blood sugar under control.
•• Inspect your feet daily. Look for cuts, scrapes, calluses, swelling, blisters or open areas and red areas. If you can't get help to check your feet, use a mirror.
•• Wash your feet daily, dry well between the toes. Do not use lotion or oils between the toes.
•• Avoid using heating pads, hot water bottles or electric blankets. You can burn your feet or other areas without knowing it. If your feet are cold, wear extra socks.
•• Always test water temperature with your hand before putting your feet into it.
•• Consult your doctor before using any treatments of chemicals on warts, calluses, etc. Many over the counter products are too harsh for diabetics.
•• Always check inside your shoes before wearing them, making sure there are no sharp objects, nails, pebbles or that the shoe lining is not rough or torn.
•• Don't walk barefoot.
•• Don't smoke.
•• Choose socks without seams or lumps in them. Don't wear mended socks, pull your socks on gently and make sure they are not too tight. Padded athletic socks are good,
and they protect the feet while walking

The two feet we have are the only two we will ever have, love them, cherish them, look after them. Give them the respect they deserve!

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