Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Are you at risk for diabetic foot ulcers? If you have the tingling, burning, or numb sensation in your feet caused by diabetic neuropathy, chances are, you are. But there is a great deal you can do to avoid diabetic neuropathy progressing to diabetic foot ulcers. Here are some easy but important tips.

To prevent diabetic ulcers, diabetics who have neuropathy in the feet, and diabetics in general, should:

Inspect feet and toes every day for any bruises, bumps, cuts, contusions, scrapes, or infections, including fungus infections like athlete’s foot. If you can’t look at your feet yourself, it is very important to find someone who can look at your feet for you.

Only use warm water, not hot, and mild soap (no Lava), to wash your feet. Test the temperature of the water by using your wrist before you immerse your heat. This will help prevent burns.

Dr. Robert Bernstein cautions against soaking your feet if you have diabetes. Too much exposure to water may loosen protective calluses. Dry feet carefully with a soft towel, and don’t forget to dry between your toes. It’s a good idea to wash your feet every day.

Before you put on your socks, make sure your feet are dry, but then moisturize with a foot cream, cold cream, lanolin, or petroleum jelly. Moisturize will keep the skin on the foot from cracking and letting infection in.

Be picky about your shoes. Make sure you get shoes with firm heels that support and stabilize. There should be plenty of room for your toes. Break news shoe in gradually, only an hour or two at a time.

There are open-toed sandals designed especially for diabetics, such Ambulator Conform Sandals. These sandals accommodate bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and mallet toes, problems that are not unusual in diabetics’ feet.

Every time you see your primary health care provider, make sure he or she examines your feet. Do not hesitate to call if a sore on your feet is not healing well.

Try not to sit with your legs crossed. Crossing legs reduces blood flow to the feet.

Examine your shoes regularly to make sure they have not picked up any stones, tacks, nails, or street debris.

If your feet get cold at night, wear socks, but do not use heating pads, because diabetic neuropathy make prevent your feeling burns.

It’s OK to remove dead skin, but do not remove calluses covering a wound.