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Diabetes » Diabetic feet

Optimal care for healthy diabetic feet

A diabetic's feet need special care, because they are more sensitive and prone to illnesses. If not taken care of properly, a diabetic's foot can quickly fall ill. Diabetic foot disease affects the sensitivity of the feet due to nerve damage. Temperature, contact or pain are perceived wrongly or not perceived at all.

Every year up to 27.000 diabetic foot amputations have to be performed. In many cases, an amputation can be avoided. Pay your feet a little more attention and read the following tips:

Foot care for healthy feet

The first and last thing for a healthy foot is the right foot care, because with that, you can already prevent severe injuries. A footbath relaxes and stimulates the blood circulation. Diabetics should take a footbath once a day; the water temperature should not exceed 28°C.
A mild soap is the best for cleaning your feet, for example curd soap or baby soap. Bath salts are inapplicable. After five minutes only the bathing fun is over, because the feet's skin may not get softened. After the bath the feet need to be dried thoroughly, also between the toes. Then the skin is given care with body lotions without additives; if your skin is incompatible to such a lotion you can use special fat-neutral creams from the pharmacy. They contain urea for example, which is especially suitable for diabetics. Putting on cream prevents the skin from drying-out and getting chaps.

Protection from injuries

It might be so much fun - but walking shoeless is a taboo for diabetics. The risk of an injury is much too high. You should always wear comfortable shoes that fit exactly - there may be no bruises or blisters! Orthopaedic custom-made shoes might be slightly more expensive, but they are perfectly tuned to your foot. You should check your feet every evening whether you can see any changes, injuries, blisters or chaps. And you should also check the bottom of your feet. Before you slip in your shoes check whether any foreign objects have fallen into them.

Professional foot care pays

Diabetics have to take extra care when cutting their toenails, because ingrown nails or slightest injuries can have fatal consequences. Razorblades, cornea plane, knifes or other sharp instruments may not be used to remove horny skin. The danger to injure yourself is too big. The best idea is to get professional treatment for corns, horny skin or ingrown nails. Professional foot nurses know exactly how the skin will react on the various treatment methods. In Germany there are numerous Podiatrists, who offer competent advice. You should inquire whether the foot nurse has a medical education and is well versed in the treatment of diabetics. Professional foot care for diabetics is not a cosmetic matter but an important part of their health care.

Foot-Fitness

To keep the blood circulation going, daily foot gymnastics are important. Regular walks are also recommendable. They don't only support the blood flow but are also a benefit for the soul. Last but not least healthy feet and the mobility that comes along are a big part of life's quality.

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