Footcare

You may have heard of people with diabetes having problems with their feet. Understanding basic foor care will help you to reduce the risk of long-term problems.

The blood supply and sensation in your feet need to be checked every year as part of your annual review. The main problems are numbness or loss of sensation and/or poor circulation of the blood to your feet. If these are not recognised this could lead to you injuring your foot without realising it and poor wound healing with an increased risk of infection.

The following are recommended as good foot care practise:

• Check your feet daily, making sure the skin is not sore or broken.
• Use a moisturiser on dry skin and keep your feet clean by washing and drying daily.
• Wear well-fitting shoes.
• Cut your nails to the shape of the toe (not straight across), and file any rough edges.
• Give up smoking, as smoking increases the risk of poor circulation, particularly to your feet.

If you have been told that you have neuropathy (loss of sensation), this means you could injure your feet without feeling any discomfort. It is important not to go barefoot or walk on any very hot or very cold surface, eg a hot beach, radiators, hot water bottles, hot bath water or hot bath taps, without protection.

If you have any problems, it is important that you contact your GP or make an appointment with a chiropodist/podiatrist.