1. Inspect Feet Daily
Diabetics often lose sensation in their hands and feet, making it harder for them to detect injuries and cuts on fingers and toes. Make it a part of your morning routine to inspect your feet for cuts, bruises and discoloration. Lift your feet and check the soles as well as your toes and heels. Daily inspections help you prevent infection from cuts and keep your feet healthy.
2. Watch Out For Winter
Winter weather can be especially dangerous for diabetics because their feet are more susceptible to damage from the cold; this damage can go unnoticed because numbness and tingling in hands and feet is a common experience for diabetics year-round. Take care of your feet during the winter season by limiting your exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Avoid walking through ice and snow, if possible, and wear an extra pair of socks for added protection against the cold.
3. Try on Diabetic Socks
Socks specifically made for diabetics are designed to help pull moisture away from the skin to prevent infection, and give support to the feet without being binding or restrictive. Try a pair of non-binding diabetic socks with silver in the soles; they promote good circulation in your feet and legs and keep your feet cool and dry. Diabetic socks cost more than regular socks because of their extra features, but they're a great way to keep your feet safe and healthy.
4. Moisturize Often
Diabetes can make your skin dry out and crack, causing it to bleed. If you have decreased sensation in your feet, you might not notice dry skin until it cracks and bleeds, making it painful to walk and putting you at risk for infection. To avoid dry skin and prevent infection, moisturize your feet and hands a few times a day. Use a lotion that retains moisture in the skin to help eliminate the dry skin problem.
5. Ask Your Doctor
Decreased sensation in the hands and feet is a common problem for diabetics, but if the condition worsens, it can be serious. Tell your doctor if you continue to lose feeling in your hands or feet or if any cuts or injuries become infected. He can help you manage your diabetes better and improve foot health. Your doctor can suggest ways to increase sensation in your extremities, take care of your feet and keep them healthy.
