THERE are more than 200 million people who are currently affected by diabetes and a whopping 7 million develop diabetes every year (International Diabetes Federation). People with diabetes (PWD) should be conscious about their health and this includes regularly checking on blood sugar level, kidney tests (at least annually) and foot health. Many often neglect caring for their feet, only because they are too busy to “look down”. If you are a person with diabetes, caring for your feet is a priority that you shouldn’t overlook. Even the slightest injury to your feet may lead to leg amputation! Yes, it’s that serious!

Why do diabetic foot injuries fail to heal?

People with diabetes are prone to have reduced blood flow to their feet, which is why their injuries fail to heal. A small cut may take a long time to heal and during this period, it is extremely vital for the patient to be diligent in their wound care. However, in spite of taking all the necessary precautions and measures sometimes, the wounds fail to heal leading to serious foot complications requiring surgery.  

Ok then, so who do I see?

While a diabetes consultant is a good start, your best bet for your feet would be a podiatrist or a foot health practitioner, depending on your case. If you are injured and it has been a long time since the injury healed, see a podiatrist (specializing in the surgery aspect of foot health). If you’d just like a foot massage ( helps in the lower limb blood circulation), have a pedicure, foot spa or consult a FHP (foot health practitioner) about your feet, the right shoes or other aspects of your daily foot care.

I’d like to start caring for my feet at home. Any pointers?

If you are diabetic, you can start caring for your feet right away. You don’t need to wait for your podiatrist or consultant’s appointment to do so. Here are a few ideas:

Look after your feet every day. Check for any injury or sign of fungal infection (especially around your toenails) or blisters. If you find anything suspicious, try cleaning the wound with an antiseptic lotion and keep the wound dry to prevent infection. Wash your feet everyday with lukewarm water, especially between your toes. Then dry them thoroughly with a towel (I’d suggest you keep a towel exclusively for your feet). If you have ingrown toenails, corns, calluses or any kind of wart, report to your doctor immediately. Don’t try to treat it yourself.

Wear comfortable shoes or sandals. Let your feet breathe and avoid wearing any footwear that is tight. Wear socks to protect your feet.  

Keep your blood sugar level in control. Even if there is a small wound (sometimes, you may not know that you are hurt and may not feel the pain either), it will heal slowly on its own, provided that the blood sugar is in check.

Exfoliate and moisturize your feet. If you can do this yourself, great! And if you can’t, take an appointment with your foot health practitioner who will pamper your feet and will give them the treatment they deserve.

If you have any minor injuries, follow the first aid measures. Don’t wait for your practitioner to treat your wound. Avoid using heating pads and check the water temperature with your elbow and not using your feet.

Exercise – this helps proper blood circulation in areas that are hard to reach. There are specific feet exercises (such as moving your feet clockwise 5 times and then anti-clock wise 5 times and wiggling your feet up & down) that can help improve circulation.

Try alternative medical therapies for your feet such as reflexology and acupressure. These therapies aid in proper blood circulation to your feet and would ensure that your feet are healthy all the time.

Now that you know how essential it is to care for your feet, diabetic or not, watch out for my next article on how to care for your own feet from the comfort of your own home!