According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing foot or leg issues throughout their lifetime. This, in turn, can increase the risk of cuts, ulcers, infection, and even amputation. To help
Why Do People with Diabetes Have a Higher Risk of Foot Problems?
Diabetes has a strong effect on the body, which can result in several serious complications. Although proper care and diabetes management can help, it's still important to see your doctor regularly and diagnose problems early. Some of the most common causes of diabetes-related foot problems include:
- Poor Circulation — over time, diabetes causes blood vessels to harden and narrow, which can drastically reduce blood flow in your feet and other parts of the body.
- Foot Ulcers — poor circulation can increase the risk of serious foot problems like ulcers. This is caused by reduced blood flow to the area, which can support the formation of ulcers on your feet and toes. Addressing a blister on your foot early can help reduce the risk of ulcers.
- Nerve Damage — when living with diabetes, it's not unheard of to lose feeling in your feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. Over time, the loss of feeling can make it increasingly difficult to notice any injuries, changes in temperature, or wounds. Therefore, a small cut or blister can easily get infected and increase the risk of foot complications.
- Slow Wound Healing — slow wound healing is one of the complications of diabetes that can contribute to issues with your feet and legs. It can increase the risk factors of a small cut turning into something more serious, which is why foot care is so important.
13 Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy When Living with Diabetes
Diabetes foot care can seem a little tedious, but it's one of the best ways to help keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of serious complications like amputation. Some of the most important tips to care for your feet when you have diabetes include the following.
1. Check Your Feet Every Day
Even if you rigorously take care of your feet and they feel fine, you still need to check on them every single day. Look for any signs of a problem, including swelling, sores, redness, calluses, corns, cuts, or blisters. When you do this daily, you'll be able to see any changes that could indicate an issue easily. Use a mirror to help see hard-to-reach areas and the bottom of your feet, and contact your doctor right away if you notice anything that could become an issue.
2. Avoid Going Barefoot
Going barefoot increases your risk of cuts and injuries. Always wear shoes and socks when you're outside. You may also want to wear warm socks and slippers when you're inside to help further prevent foot trauma. While this may seem like you're being over-cautious, foot injuries are not worth the risk.
3. Change Your Socks Daily
Another tip to boost foot health is to change your socks daily. Socks and shoes can be breeding grounds for bacteria, increasing your risk of serious infections over time. However, when you regularly change your socks, you'll help keep things clean and keep your feet warm and dry.
4. Wear Shoes That Fit Well
Nerve damage can eventually change the shape of your feet, which can make it increasingly difficult to find shoes that fit well. However, shoes are going to be the best way to protect your feet from issues, so it's important to prioritize good foot protection. When shopping for new shoes, talk to your podiatrist about recommendations, and never ignore any pain in your feet that may be caused by footwear.
5. Wash Your Feet Regularly
Washing your legs and feet daily can help keep things clean and reduce the risk of infection. However, you'll want to wash them in lukewarm (not hot) water, as hot water can cause burns if you're experiencing nerve damage. It's also important to be gentle when washing and make sure that you thoroughly dry your feet when you're done. You should also avoid soaking your feet, as this can open small cracks in the skin and increase the risk of infection.
6. Moisturize Your Feet
After you wash and dry your feet, take the time to apply lotion to the tops and bottoms. This can help protect your feet by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing the risk of injuries associated with dry feet. However, avoid applying lotion between your toes, as this can help prevent the risk of infection or fungus.
7. Keep Toenails Trimmed
Long or thick toenails can increase the pressure in your shoes and put you at risk for open sores on your feet. By keeping your toenails trimmed, you can help reduce these kinds of issues. You'll want to cut the nail straight across, as cutting the corners can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. If the edges are sharp, use a nail file to smooth them out gently.
8. Get Professional Help with Calluses
If you notice any corns or calluses, see a foot doctor for help. Don't try to remove them on your own or apply any over-the-counter products, as these can burn your skin and increase the risk of injury. If you see any potential calluses when you look at your feet during daily checks, schedule an appointment.
9. See Your Podiatrist Regularly
Even if everything seems fine, get your feet checked by a professional at least once a year. If you have other issues (i.e., calluses or cuts), ask your healthcare team about recommendations for scheduling appointments. Undergoing a foot exam by a professional can help reduce your risk of serious complications and ensure good foot care for life.
10. Improve Blood Flow
Poor blood flow can increase the risk of diabetic foot issues like neuropathy and foot ulcer formation. To help, try to stay active throughout the day. If you have a sedentary job, get up every once in a while to walk around. Foot problems are common in individuals with reduced blood flow, but you can improve circulation with regular movements and stretches. If your feet get cold regularly, ask your doctor about recommendations for socks to keep things warm and promote healthy feet circulation.
12. Exercise Strategically
Exercise helps manage blood sugar levels and strengthens cardiovascular health. Exercise can also increase blood flow to your feet, which can help reduce the risk of issues. However, avoid engaging in exercises prone to foot and ankle injuries. This includes things like high-impact activities or prolonged weight-bearing exercises.
13. Quit Smoking
Smoking causes several issues throughout your body, including narrowing blood vessels. Since this is already an issue for individuals with diabetes, smoking can increase your risk of several complications like heart disease, stroke, and foot problems.
14. Manage Your Diabetes (ABCs)
Diabetes may require additional medication for optimal care, which is why it's important to know your numbers and regularly update your management plan. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling diabetes exams regularly, and make sure to manage your ABCs.
- A1C levels — regularly measure your A1C levels and try to lower them to less than 7% for healthy diabetes management.
- Blood pressure — try to maintain a blood pressure that's less than 140/90 mmHg or another specified goal set by your doctor.
- Cholesterol — reduce bad cholesterol and help improve good cholesterol to keep your blood vessels healthy.
When to See Your Doctor
If you notice any signs of swelling or other problems with your feet, make sure that you talk to your doctor to rule out any serious problems. While there are plenty of ways to help treat early issues, keeping your feet healthy when you have diabetes is the best way to reduce your risk of serious complications. Additionally, make sure that you're prioritizing diabetes care and ask your team of health professionals about any questions or concerns you may have. To help maximize diabetes management, ask your doctor about using a continuous glucose monitor. For more support with your diabetes management, sign up for Byram Healthcare’s Caring Touch at Home™ Program. We offer a combination of convenience, affordability, and choice to help you live your best life, regardless of diabetes. For any questions, or if you need a little extra support, call our Diabetes Center of Excellence today.
