If you have diabetes, you know that your feet can be severely affected by it. Taking special care of your feet under normal circumstances is challenging, but Certified Foot & Ankle Specialists warn summer can make things harder. Make sure you use the best foot care this summer to stay healthy and safe.
Diabetic Foot Issues
The two biggest foot concerns for people with diabetes are peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. Peripheral vascular disease (PAD) can constrict the arteries that transport blood to the legs and feet. This lack of blood flow increases the risk of developing ulcers (open sores) and infections.
Neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar from diabetes harms your nerves and blood vessels, making your feet and legs less able to feel temperature changes or pain. You might not notice if you get a small cut or sore. With reduced blood flow, these injuries can also heal much more slowly. If they go untreated, they can become infected, which could lead to further complications.
Those with diabetes also experience an increased risk of athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, blisters, bunions, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
Tips for Summer Foot Care
While the basics of caring for your feet with diabetes remain the same year-round, some tips become especially important during the summer, when you’re likely spending more time outdoors.
Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily
Practice good diabetic foot care by keeping your feet clean, using mild soap and warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub, and ensure your feet are thoroughly dried. After washing, apply lotion or petroleum jelly to the soles of your feet to prevent cracking.
Check Your Feet Every Day
Take a good look at the tops and bottoms of your feet every day. Check your toes, heels, and in between your toes for any blisters, corns, calluses, ingrown nails, cuts, scratches, bruises, or sores. Don’t forget to watch for any signs of fungus between your toes.
Take Care of Your Toenails
Trim your toenails carefully with stainless steel toe clippers or sharp nail scissors. Cut them straight across and smooth the edges with a nail file. Never cut the cuticles (the thin layer of skin that forms at the base of the toenail, where the nail meets the skin), and don’t use sharp objects to clean under your nails. To soften rough heels, use a pumice stone, but avoid scrubbing too hard.
Protect Your Feet While Exercising
Exercise regularly to keep your blood flow healthy. Aim to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day. Walk and work out in comfortable shoes. While aerobic and resistance training are typically suggested for diabetes care, ask your doctor which activity is best for you.
Always Wear Shoes
Even though warm weather might make you want to go barefoot, your feet need the protection shoes provide. Avoid wearing shoes with high heels or pointed toes, and steer clear of styles that expose your toes or heels, like open-toed shoes, flip-flops, or sandals. Follow your doctor’s advice if they recommend special footwear, and replace shoes when they show wear, such as uneven heels or damaged lining.
Try Diabetic Socks
Switching up your socks every day is a must. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or blends of the two. These materials let your feet breathe and keep things comfy. Avoid socks with rough seams that could rub and cause blisters and anything too tight that might restrict your circulation. If you want to go the extra mile for your foot health, try diabetic socks. They’re specially made to boost blood flow and keep your feet feeling their best.
If you have diabetes, your feet need special care. Affinity Health offers coverage for over 24 different chronic conditions, including diabetes. Our Diabetes Management Programme assists members in managing their diabetes and provides them with tools to improve their overall health.
