The Vital Importance of Foot Care for Diabetics

Type II diabetes can often seem difficult to manage, but there are now many treatment options available, and the medical community continues to gain ground with advancements in diabetic research.

Among the most vital and easily manageable lines of defense against complications is vigilant foot care. Peripheral neuropathy and ulcers are very serious conditions, but actions may be taken to avoid and treat these issues.

The first step is to inspect diabetic feet daily. If one is unable to adequately examine their feet for wounds, discoloration, numbness or protrusions, a family member can aid in this task. Physicians must also pay special attention to the feet for any unknown problems.

Diabetics should wash and dry their feet daily with a gentle soap, but avoid soaking their feet or applying lotion between toes. Soaking diabetic feet can encourage the breakdown of skin and moisture between toes may lead to fungal infections. Be especially gentle with diabetic feet. Lightly buff away calluses and rough patches of skin and take care to not exacerbate or create wounds as this may lead to infection.

Getting fitted for appropriate shoes can also avoid many injuries. Diabetics will often need to wear supportive shoes while indoors to help avoid foot deformities like Charcot Foot. Believe it or not, but due to the risk of nerve damage, a diabetic may not even feel broken bones in their feet until the condition has radically progressed. Properly fitting, supportive shoes designed for diabetics can reduce the opportunity for such breaks.

At Faulkner’s Drug Store, much of our business is about caring for and healing diabetic feet. We are experts in wound care and invite you to stop in to discuss any foot or blood sugar maintenance concerns.