Put a SPRING back in your step

Here’s a rundown of the best ways to care for your feet, keep them happy and help them stay the distance.

1 TOE THE LINE

Even if you have only recently been diagnosed with diabetes, your feet should be checked. You may already have some signs of wear and tear, such as cracked heels, corns and calluses, or blisters that require attention and that can lead to problems. You also need to learn how to care for your feet, understand any specific problems that may affect them, as well as how diabetes affects them. See a podiatrist or attend a Diabetes Centre near you.

2 KEEP A LOOKOUT

Pain is a protective mechanism that alerts you to discomfort from corns, calluses, bunions and trauma to your feet. You may also be unable to sense pressure, sharpness, heat and cold. If you’ve lost the ability to feel, you have to use your eyes to detect problems instead of relying on the nerves in the feet.

3 EXPERT OPINION

Whether you attend a specialist foot clinic for people with diabetes or you see a private podiatrist, placing your feet in the hands of a podiatrist is a must.

4 BE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR FEET

Include your feet in your daily routine. Wash, dry and inspect them so you can pick up anything new or something that wasn’t there yesterday. Keep a light-coloured cloth for cleaning the feet and, that way, you’ll notice any blood if trauma has occurred.

5 BOOK IN FOR A SERVICE

Your feet should be serviced twice a year, just like your car. Ask your podiatrist to check the circulation and nerve function in your feet to keep them fine-tuned and healthy. With a close eye, changes will be picked up sooner and you’ll sleep easy knowing your feet are properly maintained.

6 KNOW WHERE YOUR FEET STAND

Understand whether your feet are at a high or low risk of developing problems Low-risk feet have normal sensation and good blood flow. High-risk feet have nerve damage and/or poor blood flow. See your podiatrist and talk feet.

7 HAIL HAIRY TOES

You might think that they are unsightly, but hairy toes are often a sign of reasonable circulation. Keep an eye on how quickly your nails grow because, with decreased blood flow, your nails will often be slower to grow and your hair will be more sparse.

8 SOCK IT RIGHT

Wear socks that are made of cotton, wool or a combination of fibres to absorb any sweat and allow your feet to breathe. Avoid socks with tight tops or those that are knee-high, as they can hinder the blood flow. Make sure the seams aren’t too bulky as they can rub and cause blisters. Try Glucology socks from Diabetes Australia shops and online at www. diabetesshop.com

9 SMOOTH ROUGH EDGES

Joint stiffness and clawing of the digits is a classic diabetic foot problem changing the mechanics of the foot. Toes can become rigid and deformed, forcing pressure onto the ball of the foot as you walk, which leads to a build-up of protective skin, known as a callus. It is important to get prompt treatment or there is a risk that the tissue beneath the hard skin will break down into a wound, which will be far tougher to manage.

10 TURN DOWN THE HEAT

Avoid putting anything hot, such as wheat packs and hot water bottles, directly onto your feet, and steer clear of the heater, too. These can all cause serious burns to your skin without you noticing or feeling any pain or discomfort. Make sure you test the water with your elbow rather than your tootsies before having a bath or taking a shower for the same reason.

12 CUT IT FINE

If your podiatrist says that it’s okay for you to cut your own nails, make sure you cut them straight across. Cutting them down the sides can create ingrown nails and cause an infection. Also, don’t cut them too short and use a nailfile to file any sharp bits.

13 DRESS IT

Keep some dressings handy in case of a foot injury. Even if it’s a minor cut, flush the area without soaking your feet. Then apply a nonadhesive dressing, which can be changed daily. If there’s no improvement or signs of infection occur, see your podiatrist or doctor immediately.