How to prevent foot complications for diabetic patients
Foot complications in diabetic patients are increasing, causing many serious consequences such as severe ulcers, amputation, blood infection, and even death.
To limit the occurrence of foot complications and their serious consequences, foot care in diabetic patients is extremely important. Doctors at the Central Endocrinology Hospital have instructed on proper foot care in diabetic patients.
Check your feet daily
Before going to bed at night, diabetics should check their feet. Choose a place with adequate lighting conditions to observe the feet and between the toes to see if there are any scratches, blisters, bruises, calluses or painful areas?
If the patient cannot bend down to check, they can use a mirror to observe or ask a relative to help check.
Wash your feet every day
Wash feet and between toes thoroughly (use a sponge or soft towel to wash gently). Wash with warm water and neutral soap. Do not soak feet for more than 5 minutes.
After washing, dry the skin and between the toes thoroughly. If the skin on the feet is dry, use a moisturizer (note that the patient should not apply cream between the toes).
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| A diabetic patient was burned while warming his feet with salt rocks. |
Check the water temperature before bathing by using a thermometer or the back of your hand or elbow. The water should be neither too hot nor too cold. Around 37ºC is best.
Do not warm your feet by methods such as heating with a charcoal stove or heating with hot bricks; do not use hot water to steam your feet or soak your feet; do not burn mugwort leaves to warm your feet; turn off the electric blanket... because it can easily cause burns.
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin when going out in the sun.
When feet have calluses:Do not cut the callus yourself but see a doctor.
Pedicure care:Don't let your toenails grow too long
- How to cut toenails:
+ If your eyesight is poor, ask a family member to cut your toenails.
+ Cut your toenails right after bathing, when the nails will be soft and easy to cut
+ Cut toenails horizontally. Avoid cutting too far inward.Use a file to file away sharp corners and rough edges.
+ Do not use sharp objects to dig deep under toenails or the skin around the nails.
+ Must file thick toenails
Wear shoes and socks that fit your feet
- Socks: Instruct patients to choose wool or cotton socks, socks with padding, socks with toes that are not too tight, and seams that are not rough or bumpy. Avoid wearing knee-high socks.
- Shoes:
+ Choose shoes that are wide and deep at the toe, have thick rubber soles, low heels, firm heel cushions, laces or tape, and smooth insoles.
+ You should buy shoes in the evening when your feet are at their largest, choose shoes that fit in width, length, heel and toe. You should wear leather shoes. Avoid pointed toes or high heels.
+ When trying on shoes, the patient must measure both feet and stand to try on shoes.
+ Never wear new shoes all day.
+ Never go barefoot
If the foot is infected:Disinfect the wound and go to the hospital immediately.
Keep the blood circulating
- Place your feet on the chair in a horizontal position when sitting down.
- Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
- Do not wear tight socks or socks that are knotted around the ankles.
- Move your toes for 5 minutes 2-3 times a day. Exercise your feet daily to increase blood circulation in your feet such as: walking, cycling...
Have a healthy lifestyle
Diabetic patients need to adhere to a good diet, exercise properly, take medication and have check-ups as prescribed by their doctor, know how to monitor blood sugar, do not smoke, drink alcohol, etc. to manage diabetes well, thereby preventing possible complications.
You should see a doctor when:
- Have an ulcer that does not begin to heal within 2 weeks.
- Have toenails that are very thick or tend to split when cut.
- Have calluses, scratches or other problems that cannot be resolved./.
