Diabetes - Tips on Leg and Foot Care to Avoid Complications

It is important that diabetics are aware of the possible risks that can affect their overall health, starting with the feet and legs. To be well informed means to be well prepared. Once you learn more about the possible consequences of diabetes, you can develop the necessary action plan to prevent the consequences from becoming a reality. The following paragraphs provide essential advice for diabetics on how to take special care of their feet and legs like should diabetics soak their feet or not and other things like this. At best, a diabetic can at least delay the onset of serious damage. The advice here comes from what I've read as well as what I've experienced firsthand. I hope this serves you well too.

Examine your feet and legs at least once a day. You can do this in the evening or in the morning. Make it a daily thing until it becomes a habit. Watch for any discoloration on the legs and feet. Press down on the edges of your feet to make sure you can feel them. Then check for cuts or wounds, no matter how small. Cracked heels require care. Use a suitable heel cream to smooth cracks and also for feet. You will need to moisturize it daily. Diabetics tend to have dry skin and may develop flaking. A good moisturizer should help smooth out the skin. Diabetics should also remember not to use the cream between the toes. If you find any problem with your feet or leg, see your doctor as soon as possible. For myself, I used 2 different creams, one for the heels, the other for the legs. Please note that the cream you buy must specifically indicate the purpose, that is, if it is for heels; look for a cream designed for heels. The reason for this is that the sole of the foot and the heel are much stiffer than the skin on the feet. This means that the cream used for the sole and heel should be stronger and should not be applied to the skin of the feet.

Watch out for growths like calluses and calluses. Don't try to cut it off. Attempts to remove it can lead to infections that can spread to other parts of the feet and lower legs. Also, do not self-medicate. It is better to consult a doctor. Even if there is loose skin on the feet or lower legs, do not peel it off. I remembered that in my younger years, when I had a callus growing near the sole, I removed it with a corn plaster. Now I wouldn't do it. I would consult a doctor on the best way to remove it. I'm afraid that if I remove it myself, the wound may not heal. This can lead to complications, and if this cannot be cured, the likelihood of my leg being amputated is very high.

Is there pain in the feet or legs? Check for swelling. Also, check for sores or blisters. If the pain continues without any sign of improvement, the diabetic should see a doctor. I am now more aware of what my feet and legs are telling me.

To keep your feet and legs safe, always wash them with warm water. Do not use hot water as this can cause complications. Make sure the feet of diabetics are always well cared for and keep them free of dirt. Do not soak diabetic feet in water. Just rinsing should be enough. Dry your feet thoroughly afterwards, especially between the toes. If the space between the toes is not taken care of, it can lead to the growth of bacteria, which can lead to infection if it is not cleaned properly.

Patients with diabetes should not forget to trim their toenails. Don't cut it too short as this can cause problems. I used to have a habit of cutting my toenails as short as possible. Sometimes I can even bleed while cutting my nails. Also, it is not recommended to trim nails with rounded edges, as this will encourage an ingrown toenail. One day a doctor told me that in case of ingrown toenails they might have to have toe surgery to remove the nail in the affected toe.

One last piece of advice: To protect your feet, a diabetic should never go barefoot. Always wear shoes that cover your toes as well as your entire foot. Make sure the shoes are comfortable and not too small to squeeze your feet, and not too big to prevent traction. You will need to wear a pair of well-padded socks. Don't wear sandals, especially open-fronted ones, as they will expose your legs. While walking in sandals, you can inevitably kick something and injure your toes or other parts of the foot. So it's better to be safe than sorry by wearing shoes and socks for better protection.