Foot routine

JoeJOns

Member
Messages
12
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi guys,

I am newly diagnosed (a few weeks now). I've read all about the foot complications that can come with diabetes. What are some of the measures you guys take to protect and monitor your feet? Is there particular creams you use? or shouldn't use? Are calluses ok once they are looked after?

Kind regards.
 

kaylz91

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,090
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Wash, dry thoroughly, if slightly dry apply moisturiser/body lotion, problems are more likely to occur if you have nerve damage and loss of sensation as you may not feel yourself getting a cut etc, I watch one toe as I have nerve damage from an accident before I was diabetic but I haven't changed my foot care regime since becoming type 1 xx
 

ChrissiStar

Well-Known Member
Messages
90
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Like others have said, I don’t have a set routine, but I check them over every morning when I get out of the shower, while I am drying them. Just keep an eye on them and I try to wear shoes that don’t rub.
 

Circuspony

Well-Known Member
Messages
959
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
When they check your feet one of the tests is making sure you still have feeling in all your toes. So that's one thing to check occasionally - but don't get paranoid!

Keep an eye on any blisters to make sure they are healing and I also watch out for any sort of athlete's foot type stuff because I had flare ups in the run up to diagnosis.
 
D

Deleted member 308541

Guest
Usual wash and dry during and after showering, I also get five free podiatrist visits a year on a health care plan.

The podiatrist does a full check over for all of the usual signs / symptoms of diabetic foot problems, and also cuts my toenails.
 

camparisoda

Member
Messages
15
Hi guys,

I am newly diagnosed (a few weeks now). I've read all about the foot complications that can come with diabetes. What are some of the measures you guys take to protect and monitor your feet? Is there particular creams you use? or shouldn't use? Are calluses ok once they are looked after?

Kind regards.

Hi Joe! My advice:
  • Keeping a tight control on your blood glucose. This puts you at a lower risk of developing neuropathy, and means you're less likely to pick up infections.
  • Choose well-fitting shoes that don't pinch or rub. This can cause blisters, which can then become infected.
  • Wear socks that aren't too tight at the top, as it can be bad for your circulation.
  • NEVER walk barefoot - if you go swimming, wear little swim socks to make sure you don't pick up any infections or stand on anything!
  • I've had athlete's foot (yuck), and have found that wearing sliders (open toed shoes) helps keep my feet well-aired and less likely to create the ideal conditions for fungal infections.
  • Check your feet every night for cuts, blisters, scrapes, ulcers, etc. Chances are that if you check regularly, things won't progress to a dangerous point.
  • Always cut your toenails straight across, and never cut them too short. If you're in any doubt, try to see a podiatrist or ask a diabetes specialist nurse.
  • I like to soak my feet in warm water with some bath salts, around twice a week. I then gently use a pumice to work away some dry skin on the heels and balls of my feet. Always dry between your toes well.
It sounds like a lot, but you'll soon get used to it. All the best with learning how to live with your diabetes!

C
 
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CC1

Active Member
Messages
30
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I moisturise every night using Nivea or a foot cream. Keeps them soft and check for blisters or hard skin etc.