The right shoes will help keep your feet healthy
Foot care tips
You can lower your chances of getting foot problems by doing the following:
- Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, cracks or sores. Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet (if needed).
- Wash your feet with slightly warm water every day. Do not soak your feet because this will dry them out and might cause problems like cracking.
- Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes.
- Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream over the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not rub lotion between your toes.
- Trim your toenails each week or when needed.
- Wear shoes and socks at all times.
Finding shoes that are good for your feet if you have diabetes can sometimes be tricky. Twenty years ago, there were not many options, but today there are many different types available that can help keep your feet healthy.
"When it comes to managing diabetes, there is a lot of information to remember," said Jeff Peterson, orthotist, North Metro Orthotics & Prosthetics. "Often times, though, foot care is not at the top of the list."
Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your feet and lower legs. When nerves are damaged, you don't feel problems like sores and cuts on your feet.
The key to good foot care is prevention. Preventing problems with your feet will improve your quality of life. "It is better to avoid the wounds and keep your feet healthy," said Peterson.
Finding the right shoesIt's important to get shoes that fit right. Most people wear shoes that are too small.
Peterson offers these tips on finding the right shoes:
- Go to a shoe store where they will measure your feet. Shoe sizes will vary by brand and type of shoe.
- Find a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
- Find a shoe that is made of soft leather or other soft material inside the shoe.
- Make sure there is no stitching or wrinkled material inside the shoe. Put your hand inside the shoes and feel for rough edges.
- Check the store's return policy. Can you return the shoes if they don't work?
"Good shoes will cost more, but they will help prevent wounds and keep your feet healthy," said Peterson.
Don't forget to always…
- stop wearing shoes that cause blisters, calluses or sores
- wear socks. Get good fitting socks – you don't want them to bunch up in your shoes.
- check inside your shoes before putting them on.
Seeing a specialistIf you have foot problems related to diabetes, your doctor can refer you to a specialist, such as an orthotist or pedorthotist. He or she can help you find shoes that fit and help with any devices (inserts) as well.
When seeing a specialist, you will have a foot exam, a foot mold will be taken, and a soft insert is created for the shoe.
An insert will help distribute the force evenly across your foot. Too much force in one area can cause calluses or skin thickening.
A specialist can also help you get a walking shoe that is good for people who have diabetes. Most insurances, including Medicare or Medicaid, can help pay for part of the cost of shoes with a referral from a doctor. Please call your insurance provider to find out exactly what is and isn't covered under your plan, and how much you have to pay yourself.
Dialog home page
Caring for your feet, skin and teeth when you have diabetes Guidelines for diabetes care Podiatry (foot medicine and surgery)
Source: Jeff Peterson, orthotist, North Metro Orthotics & Prosthetics; Allina Patient Education, Foot Care Tips for People Who Have Diabetes, dia-ahc-31044
First published: 01/17/2012
Last updated: 01/17/2012
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education; Dawn McCarter, RN, BSN, CDE, diabetes program coordinator, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education
|