Checking Your Feet
Why is checking your feet important?
Foot problems are more common for people with diabetes. Diabetics are more prone to lessened blood flow and of higher risk to damaged nerves. This can reduce the awareness of pain and slower healing. Taking good care of your feet can prevent most serious problems related to diabetes. Foot checking falls into the NHS 15 health care essentials meaning you’re entitled to it and its free on the NHS.
Daily Checks
It is suggested to check your feet daily or as regularly as possible. We have come up with a list of things to look out for when doing your daily checks. Make sure you check for:
- Cuts, sores or wounds
- Change in temperature (hot or cold)
- Change in colour (pale, red, blue)
- Inflammation
- Discomfort
- Dry cracking skin
- Sweaty skin
- Athletes foot or other rashes
- Symptoms and indications of infection
- Corns and calluses
If you come across any of these problems with your feet and these symptoms are not improving or going away then it is advised to see your local GP. Remember the earlier that you establish the problem the less of an effect it is likely to have on you.
Top Foot Care Tips
- Try and check once a day and make sure there are no cuts and red areas
- A mirror can be used to check the bottom of the foot
- Don’t go barefoot to help avoid injury
- Make sure your shoes fit well
- Buy socks that allow breathing and are not too tight
- Be extra careful when cutting toenails
Prevent the problems
- Quit / Don’t smoke
- Manage your blood sugar levels
- Manage your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Stay as active as possible
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Useful Links
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/foot-care-diabetics/
