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Foot care

Overview

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to foot complications. As such, foot care is important in the managing of diabetes.

In this section you’ll learn what are some of the complications that may arise and tips to aid in good foot care practices.

Nerve damage (neuropathy)

It makes your foot feel numb and change its shape, increasing your risk of getting calluses and ulcers.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage nerves over time leading to decreased foot sensation and deformity, e.g., mid-foot collapse, toe deformities and extremely arched foot

Decreased foot sensation, deformity, and improper or inadequate footwear increase risk of calluses and ulcers (wounds).

Poor blood circulation (vasculopathy)

Extremely poor blood circulation (vasculopathy) can cause problems in your extremities (hands or feet) such as cell death, tissue damage or infections

Surgeries such as angioplasty (unblocking blood vessels), removal of damaged tissue or amputation may be required.

Good foot care practices

Monitor feet everyday

Watch out for:

Blisters, wounds, corns and calluses
Redness, swelling, bruise or increased warmth
Toenail anomaly or change in foot shape

Maintain good foot care and hygiene

Clean feet daily with mild soap and water
Dry thoroughly between each toe
Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove hard skin
Remove hard skin
Avoid cutting nails too short
Cut them straight across and file corners

Moisture hard skin areas regularly

Avoid using harsh soap
Apply moisturiser daily but not between each toe
Avoid scratching skin as it may lead to wound or bleeding

Wear well-fitting and covered footwear

Wear well-fitted covered shoes with socks
Home sandals are recommended
Check and remove any stones or sharp objects inside shoes before wearing them

Apply simple first aid for small wound

Clean small wound with saline before applying antiseptic and covering with a plaster
Seek medical help if there is no improvement after two days or if there are signs of infection

Seek medical help if wound is not healing well or worsens

If signs of infection are present, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, pus, fever, or the wound starts to smell, seek medical help as soon as possible