Page 30 - Robeson Living Winter 2020

FOOT CARE IN DIABETES

IT IS ALL ABOUT LOVING YOUR FEET

Of the various organs that poorly controlled diabetes can af-
fect, nerves of the body is a common one. Patients can often
lose sensation in the feet, which along with poor blood circula-
tion, makes them prone to wounds. Feet are usually affected
more commonly than hands, because we tend to see and care
for our hands better.

There have been instances where patients walking barefoot on
the beach did not realize how warm the surface was when they
By Dr. Komal Motwani were walking and ended up burning their feet. Similar epi-
sodes have happened where patients were using heater close to
their feet to keep themselves warm, failing to realize when the
The New Year is a time for new resolutions. It is a time for temperature rose too much. Hence, it is highly recommended
new hopes, promises and effort; a time to love yourself a little not to walk barefoot even around the house.
bit more, and hence an absolutely perfect time to begin loving
your feet. After all, we need them very much to help us walk Unfortunately, once nerves get affected, patients often have
tall in the year ahead of us. to live with it. It is usually irreversible, and can continue to
progress if the diabetes is not controlled. Many medications
Foot care is an integral part of diabetes management. Diabetes for treating painful neuropathy or nerve damage also relates
is known to be the leading cause of non-traumatic lower leg to many side effects, and often give only half the relief in the
amputations. All feet, especially diabetic feet deserve tender, symptoms, which can include numbness, tingling, burning,
loving care. This involves washing feet daily, wearing com- sharp and shooting pains in the hands and feet.
fortable footwear and clean dry sweat-soaking socks, examin-
ing feet daily including between toes, bottom (using mirror if Eventually, having good control of diabetes from the begin-
needed) and top, trimming toenails and seeking immediate care ning of diagnosis is the most effective way of preventing the
in case of any cuts, wounds, ulcers, blisters or signs of infection progression to nerves or any other organ damage. The changes
(warmth, pain, redness and swelling). that occur in the body can start long before Type 2 Diabetes is
Page 30 Robeson Living ~ Winter 2020