Diabetics who take care of their feet properly decrease the risk of a foot injury. This prevents unnecessary amputations and lessens pain.
There are many ways to reduce this risk, so read on to find out what they are.
1. Get Extra Wide Diabetic Socks
Diabetics should wear extra wide diabetic socks. Diabetic foot injuries occur when the toe meets with an obstacle in the sock.
This can be prevented by wearing wider socks that cover more of your feet. Wide diabetic socks are also beneficial to people who suffer from edema or poor blood circulation.
If you have been wondering where to find extra wide socks, there are many brands that sell them online. These socks can be a bit more expensive than the average sock, but they are definitely worth the investment.
2. Avoid Skin Breakdown
If you want to keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of a foot injury, avoid skin breakdown.
Diabetics who have poor blood circulation should check their feet every day for any signs of redness, blisters, or wounds that can lead to infection.
If they do find any problems with their feet, it is important that they see a podiatrist immediately. Diabetics should take extreme caution when walking especially on uneven surfaces such as rocks or gravel.
They must also be careful not to walk too fast and always be aware of where they are going, so they do not trip.
3. Prevent Muscle Atrophy
Muscle atrophy is common among diabetics who spend long hours on their feet. Diabetics should try to wear comfortable shoes that are not too tight and always take a break when needed.
If possible, they should avoid standing for extended periods of time and opt for sitting instead. Another cause of muscle atrophies is diabetes-related nerve damage.
If the person has neuropathy, they cannot feel pain in their feet which can lead them to injure themselves without knowing it.
If you have any feeling in your feet, it is important that you massage them or soak them in warm soapy water for 15 minutes at least three times a day.
4. Invest In Quality Shoes
Quality shoes are a must for diabetics. Properly fitting shoes protect against blisters, calluses, and other injuries. They also help distribute weight evenly which reduces the risk of ankle injuries.
There are many brands that sell diabetic shoes online at a reasonable price. These shoes come in various colors and styles to suit your taste.
They also have a lot of padding which is beneficial for people who have nerve damage in their feet. Diabetes leads to poor circulation, which can cause wounds on the feet if they’re not taken care of properly.
Injuries from stepping on something sharp or bumping into something can lead to infections, so it’s important that diabetics take the right precautions when walking around their homes or going out with friends.
5. Reduce Stress On Feet And Legs
Diabetics should also reduce the amount of stress they put on their feet and lower limbs. They should avoid standing for long periods of time, especially if it is under hot weather conditions.
If possible, diabetics should take breaks every 20 minutes or so to walk around. Another way to relieve stress would be through massage with oil or lotion three times a day.
People who are overweight experience more pain in their feet faster than those who are not obese.
According to research studies, increasing your fitness level may help prevent foot injury from occurring.
Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens the muscles and tissues around your feet.
6. Do Not Smoke
If you are diabetic, it is highly recommended that you do not smoke. This is because smoking causes diabetes and high blood pressure which can lead to even more problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
People who smoke also tend to have poor circulation which means less oxygen for their feet. When this happens, wounds take a long time to heal, and they often become infected.
Smoking also encourages the development of hardening of the arteries which can lead to further conditions such as vascular impotence.
Furthermore, smoking dehydrates the feet because it increases blood flow to other parts of the body.
Having enough moisture is important for healthy skin which will help avoid foot injuries.
7. Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is also part of the solution for preventing foot injuries in diabetics. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
It is also significant to reduce the amount of salt you eat because it can increase your blood pressure. Processed foods and sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible.
Diabetics should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Doing this will help improve circulation and keep the feet healthy.
Massaging the feet with oil or lotion after soaking them in warm water can also help increase blood flow.
8. Inspect Your Feet
Inspecting your feet at least once a day can also help prevent foot injuries from occurring. Look for any cuts, blisters, and other problems and immediately treat them if they arise.
This will prevent infection from setting in and getting worse, which can be dangerous for diabetics.
If you find any wounds, make sure to wash your feet with soapy water and apply antibiotic ointment or cream to them.
Bandage the wound properly and replace the bandages as needed and this will help keep bacteria out of the injury. If you have diabetes, it is important to see a podiatrist on a regular basis.
This professional can help inspect your feet for any issues and provide treatment if necessary.
They can also provide advice on how to properly care for your feet and prevent foot injuries from happening.
Diabetes is a very difficult condition to live with because it affects the whole body, not just one part of it.
Foot injuries are one of the most common issues that diabetics have to deal with on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there are many things people can do to reduce their chances of getting injured, and we gave you tips on some of them, so stay safe!
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