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Diabetic Foot Care: Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet

​Welcome to our comprehensive guide on diabetic foot care, where we provide you with essential tips and insights to help you maintain optimal foot health while managing diabetes. If you have diabetes, it's crucial to prioritize your foot care routine to minimize the risk of complications. Our expert advice and practical strategies will empower you to navigate the unique challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. From preventing infections to managing neuropathy and promoting overall foot wellness, we've got you covered.

10 Steps to a Healthy Feet

With diabetes, there is less blood flow to your legs, so cuts and wounds take much longer to heal. Here are important ways to protect your feet.

diabetic foot care

What to do to avoid foot complications

​PROTECT YOUR FEET

  • Wear covered shoes when going out.
  • Wear socks to absorb sweat.
  • At home, wear cushioning home-slippers.
Do Not Expose Bare Feet
  • Do not walk barefoot.
  • No open-toe, flip flop slippers.




COVER YOUR WOUNDS

  • Use a sterile, dry dressing to prevent infections.
Do Not Air-Dry Wounds
  • Do not expose wounds, or use a hairdryer or fan to dry them.


​USE AN ANTISEPTIC SOLUTION FOR WOUNDS

  • Clean wounds or cuts with an antiseptic solution such as iodine and cover with a dry, sterile dressing.
  • If the wound fails to heal or worsens, see a doctor immediately.
Do Not Use Traditional Medicines on Open Wounds
  • Some ingredients may delay the healing process.

​RIGHT TEMPERATURE

  • Wear thick cotton socks if your feet feel cold.
  • For foot soaks, check the temperature of the water with your elbow or get your family member/caregiver to test, and ensure that the water temperature is lukewarm prior to placing your feet into it.
No High or Low Temperatures
  • No heat pads, hairdryer, light therapy or hot foot soaks to warm your feet.
  • No cold packs or cold foot soaks to cool your feet.


​No Pressure or Spa Treatments

  • Do not walk on pebble foot reflexology paths, as your feet may get cut or burnt by hot pebbles in the daytime.
  • Avoid foot reflexology or massages, as the pressure may cause injuries.
  • Do not go for fish spa treatments, as you may contract germs.
  • Do not soak your feet for prolonged periods of time, as this can cause the skin to soften and easily break down to form wounds.





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