Senin, 06 April 2015

Diabetic Foot Care Guideline

Diabetic foot care guideline
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet – even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. This could lead to an infection or a non-healing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation.

Here's what you need to know to keep your feet healthy:

1.   Inspect your feet daily

Foot care can be likened to dental care for our teeth in a way, as they should both be carried out each day.

The goal of foot care is to examine your own feet for the slightest sign of ulcers or problems.
This is important for all of us, particularly if you are suffering from poor circulation or numbness in your feet. If you spot any signs of damage or significant changes in your feet, it’s important to notify your doctor.

2.   Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water.
Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Use only lukewarm water

3.   Don't remove calluses or other foot lesions yourself.
To avoid injury to your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns, bunions or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your doctor or foot specialist (podiatrist) for removal of any of these lesions.

4.   Cut nails carefully.
Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toe nails. If you have concerns about your nails, consult your doctor

5.   Wear clean, dry socks. 
Wear socks made of fibers that pull sweat away from your skin, such as cotton and special acrylic fibers — not nylon. Avoid socks with tight elastic bands that reduce circulation, as well as thick bulky socks that often fit poorly and irritate your skin.

6.   Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing. 
Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on

7.   Don't smoke. 
Smoking impairs circulation and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. These circulatory problems can result in more-severe wounds and poor healing. Talk to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.

8.   Never walk barefoot. 
Not even at home! Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.

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