6 steps to maximize foot health

Everyone gets a blister or callus now and then, but these little bothers are much more serious for people with diabetes, whose feet are particularly vulnerable to infection. Poor blood circulation (common with the disease) makes healing more difficult. And because of nerve damage, you might not feel sores, blisters or cuts. Foot problems left untreated could even lead to amputation. So check your feet every night this week before you pull the covers back; the ritual will become second nature in no time. Here are some more tips to maximize foot health.

Make your foot check as automatic as buckling your seat belt. Every night when you pull off your shoes and socks, conduct a thorough examination of your feet.

• Start with your toes, then do the bottoms, sides, tops and ankles.
• You never know when a foot problem might surface, and catching it early will help you prevent serious complications.
• Amputation is not a negligible concern; people with diabetes account for 67 percent of amputations in Canada.

When you conduct your foot check, you need to keep an eye out for open sores and cuts. Signs of infection in a sore include swelling, redness, drainage, oozing or warmth.

• Call your doctor immediately if you see any of these symptoms around a sore, at the site of a splinter or cut or around your toenails.
• Smaller signs of irritation need quick attention, too, including redness, corns or calluses.
• Pay particular attention to the toes and the ball of your foot — that's where most foot ulcers develop.

Clean minor scrapes and cuts without delay.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Then wash the wound with soap and water, rinse with more water and pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
3. Dab some antibiotic ointment onto a cotton swab and smear a thin layer of the ointment onto the wound. (Don't apply the ointment with your finger.)
4. Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage.
5. If the wound does not look better within a day, or if you see signs of infection, call your doctor or a foot care specialist immediately.

Health-care experts are reluctant to have diabetes patients care for their own toenails because sharp clippers that are mishandled can cause injuries.

Be honest with yourself:

• Can you reach your toes easily?
• Do you have a good set of toenail clippers?
• Will you take the time to do a careful and meticulous job of trimming?

If not, ask your partner to do the task for you, or have your podiatrist do it.

Several medical centres have established comprehensive foot care programs for people who have diabetes.

These programs include treatment for:

• Foot problems
• Preventive therapy
• Patient education
• Referral to specialists and referral to shoe fitters

Ask your primary care doctor or podiatrist if there's a program at a hospital near you.

• Before you pull on a pair of shoes in the morning, shake them out and run your hand inside to detect pebbles, other objects, lumps or rough linings that could rub or injure your feet.
• If you have reduced feeling in your feet, you might not notice such a problem until it's done serious damage.
• Inspect the soles for any tacks you might have picked up, and make sure the soles are in good repair so that your feet are getting proper support.