Regular foot care is essential for healthy feet in diabetics. It decreases the risk of serious foot complications, including complications that require amputation. Elderly diabetics often face difficulty in taking care of their own feet and may need assistance from caregivers. A 1992 scientific study published in the Oxford University Press found that 86 percent of elderly diabetic participants in the study were not able to treat their own foot complications. Considering information from this study, family members and home health care providers can greatly reduce the chances of foot-related complications in elderly diabetic patients, by monitoring and assisting with daily foot care.
Blood Glucose Levels
Monitor and maintain normal blood glucose levels through diet and medication, to prevent nerve damage in the feet (diabetic neuropathy). Maintaining blood glucose levels in the diabetic patient protects the nerves in the body from damage, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC).
Daily Foot Care
A diabetic person's feet should be inspected daily, both visually and manually (with the hands), for signs of ulcers, blisters, lesions, cuts and swellings. The best time to inspect the feet is during daily foot cleaning time. Wash feet daily, using warm water and a mild soap. Prevent scalding burns by paying special attention to water temperature, because diabetes often causes desensitization in the feet, where nerves in the feet cannot feel hot temperatures. Gently pat feet dry with a clean towel after washing them in soapy water. Apply a lotion to the entire feet, except between the toes where fungal infections may develop.
Toenails
Keep toenails trimmed regularly to prevent cuts from long toenails. Cut the toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Use extra caution to avoid cutting the feet during toenail trimmings. File toenails smooth, using a nail file.
Protective Footware
People with diabetes need to keep their feet warm and protected. Socks should be worn at all times, even around the house and during sleep. Change socks daily to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Diabetic patients need to wear shoes whenever they are outside. Choice of shoes is extremely important. Shoes should be comfortable and fit well so that they do not squeeze the feet or cause blisters. Rotate between at least two pairs of shoes, so that a single pair of shoes is not worn two days in a row. Rotating shoes allows the shoes time to fully dry before they are worn again, so that fungi do not grow inside the shoes. Check shoes before they are put on the feet to make sure there are no rocks or objects inside of the shoes. Diabetics who have a loss of feeling in the feet may not be able to feel objects inside shoes, even when they are causing harm to the feet.
Regular Medical Care
People who have diabetes should visit a doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor) regularly for preventative foot care and whenever a foot condition, such as an ulcer, ingrown toenail, plantar lesion or foot pain develops. Catching and treating foot problems early reduces the chances of an amputation.
References
- Oxford University Press; Can Elderly Diabetic Patients Co-operate with Routine Foot Care; Fiona J. Thompson, Ewan A. Masson; Diabetes Unit, Hope Hospital Eccles Old Road, Salford M6 8HD; 1992
- NDIC: Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
