PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - People suffering from diabetes need to be particularly careful with their feet, notes Cesar Lua, owner of the lift shoes company Novis Shoes. Below are some of the ways that diabetics need to care for their feet.
Inspection: Someone who has diabetes should inspect his or her feet daily for blisters, red spots, cuts, swelling, or any break in the skin. They should look between toes and examine the sole with a mirror if necessary. Because foot injuries can be very serious for diabetics, any damage should be examined by a specialist right away. Also, be sure to check your shoes daily for signs of wear - this can cause blisters and abrasions.
Care: Diabetics should wash feet daily and dry them carefully - especially between the toes. But do not expose them to very hot or cold water. Use diabetic foot lotion daily on the tops and bottoms of the feet to keep the skin soft and smooth. When trimming toenails, cut straight across. Do not cut the corners; file them with a nail file to avoid causing ingrown toenails. To keep the blood flowing, diabetics should put up their feet when sitting down. They should also wiggle their toes and move their ankles every day to maintain mobility.
"Diabetics should also avoid walking barefoot," Lua says. "Socks and shoes help protect your feet from possible damage."
Socks: The best kind of sock is the one developed specifically for diabetics. These are usually seamless - so there is nothing to cause rubbing - and are designed to keep moisture away from the feet. Avoid stretch socks, nylon socks and socks that have tight elastic or a garter at the top.
Shoes: Diabetics should avoid high heels or shoes that are pointy in the front. They should look for shoes that have a high and wide toe box so that toes are not crowded. The shoe should have a padded collar and tongue to protect the foot from rubbing and abrasions. The shoe insole should be padded and comfortable and the outer sole should be wide and sturdy. It is best to have at least two pairs of appropriate shoes to avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. Avoid sandals and do not wear shoes without socks.
"For diabetics, it's essential to have shoes that fit properly," observes Lua, whose company also provides shoe orthotics and shoe lifts. "To get the best fit, you should visit a store that specializes in orthopedic footwear. They can tell you if you need accommodative orthotics, special alterations, or particular kinds of shoes."
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