DIABETIC FOOT: WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO

Do's and Don'ts

Please Note
Before designing a precise prevention plan for the diabetic - aimed at reducing the risk of neuropathic foot complications - it is necessary to identify the patient's risk factors and incorrect lifestyle habits.

As we know, due to reduced sensitivity (neuropathy) in the lower limbs, diabetic patients are perpetually exposed to foot injuries, ranging from simple calluses to more complicated bleeding ulcers. If, in addition to the impaired ability to perceive pain and thermal variations, the poor circulation in the lower extremities (arteriopathy) is also added, it is understood how an apparently harmless trauma can quickly turn into ruinous damage for the diabetic.
The table shows some important guidelines that can help the patient to preserve the safety of their feet.

What to do

What not to do

Always use comfortable shoes

Wear stiff seamless cotton socks

Change socks one or more times a day

Use soft silicone insoles, which are useful for balancing the weight of the body while walking

For the pedicure, prefer files and brushes to scissors

Always perform an "adequate personal hygiene of the feet (it is advisable to contact the podiatrist)

Check the soles of your feet one or more times a day to make sure there are no cuts or abrasions

Follow a healthy and balanced diet

Apply moisturizers several times a day on the feet (important precaution especially in the presence of dry and arid skin)

Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap

Always dry your feet very well after bathing: it is recommended to carry out compresses with soft cotton towels

Contact your doctor in the presence of tingling, leg cramps, impaired sensitivity

Always monitor your blood sugar

Always examine your feet (you can possibly help yourself with a mirror)

Practice regular and moderate exercise

Always contact an expert to remove corns and calluses

Move your toes frequently to stimulate circulation

Always wear the same footwear

Wear nylon or synthetic socks

Cut the nails with pointed scissors

Wear sandals, clogs, heeled shoes or flip-flops (high risk of corns and foot trauma)

Bursting any blisters under your feet

Smoking: Smoking reduces the blood flow to the feet, thus worsening circulation

Drink alcohol

Walk barefoot

Use the sharp razor for corns

Wear rings on the toes

Use direct heat sources on the feet (eg hot water bags, thermal blankets, etc.): the diabetic does not have the exact perception of heat, consequently increasing the chances of burns

Use irritating creams on the feet

Use the horsehair glove to exfoliate the skin of the feet

Wear elastic stockings

Remain in very hot water for a long time

Cross your legs for a long time

In the presence of small wounds, abrasions, calluses on the feet or other apparently insignificant trauma, the diabetic should always consult a doctor to intervene as soon as possible.
If it is not possible to prevent the diabetic foot, its management and the prevention of complications prove to be life-saving methods.

What to do if ...

... the diabetic patient notices the presence of an ingrown nail: in this case, the intervention of a podiatrist is essential to prevent foot infections, abscesses and bleeding ulcers.

... the diabetic patient is affected by apparently harmless fungal infections such as nail mycosis or athlete's foot: even in these circumstances, the diabetic foot must be immediately subjected to specific antifungal treatments, to eradicate the infection in a short time and prevent the indiscriminate proliferation of fungi.

... the diabetic trips and hits the foot against a sharp object or a wall: considering that any form of trauma increases the risk of complications, it is essential to ensure that the trauma is minor and, if not, immediately remedy the injury suffered.

... the diabetic is a smoker: it is now known that smoking causes micro damage to the small blood vessels, particularly in the lower limbs. The damage induced by smoking slows down the healing process (eg healing of a "possible wound), exaggerating the patient to the risk of infections, ulcers, gangrene, and therefore amputation.

... the diabetic is prone to corns, calluses or blisters on the feet: as we know, even a small callus can trigger a series of very dangerous consequences, which subsequently lead to infections of increasing severity. In such circumstances, in addition to paying close attention to the health of their feet, a diabetic should use specific patches, orthotics or silicone rubber that can protect the diabetic foot from trauma and pressure.