Caring For Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

By Jason Bacot

If you have diabetes, your feet can take a lot of punishment due to the disease. The main problem is that sensation is diminished because of nerve damage and poor circulation. This means that minor problems, such as blisters, can go unnoticed and create complications and take a long time to heal. Taking care of your feet is very important if you have diabetes. Wearing diabetic socks, which are special socks made for diabetics, is a good place to start. These socks have thicker padding and are a bit looser than regular socks. The cuffs are wider too.

Diabetic socks are made this way to prevent compression of the feet and lower legs and to encourage good circulation. They are designed to be very comfortable too. Cotton and wool are good choices for your socks, because these fibers “breathe” better than synthetics. Additionally, if you can choose seamless socks, they will prevent pressure points that you might not notice if you have diminished sensation in your feet. Socks with extra cushioning in the soles can help you prevent getting abrasions on your feet, which could become a source of infection.

Of course, even having the best diabetic socks is no guarantee of good foot health, though it’s a good place to start. The American Diabetes Association estimates that some 20% of diabetics who are hospitalized have foot problems. Therefore it is extremely important that if you have diabetes you learn to take good care of your feet. Start by washing feet daily with mild soap and warm water then thoroughly patting feet dry. Lotion can prevent feet from developing skin cracks. You should check your feet for cuts, blisters, sores, or scratches, as well as ingrown toenails.

Always wear socks and properly fitting shoes when you exercise. Exercise is important for diabetics, and the proper footwear will prevent injuries that could sideline you. Plus, if your shoes and socks are uncomfortable, you’re less likely to exercise in the first place. Of course, you should not exercise if you have open sores on your feet, though there may be upper body exercises you can do to help your body utilize insulin better.

For exercise, diabetes educators recommend wearing diabetic socks with extra padding on the soles, and they also recommend that for exercise and for as many situations as practical, that you choose white socks. The reason for choosing white is that any dots of blood from undetected sores will show up well, so that you can attend to the problem as quickly as possible, and hopefully prevent any complications.

Finding the best socks for your feet may take a bit of trial and error. Some people are able to find discount diabetic socks that fit great and are comfortable and protective, while others may have to buy top-end socks to get the fit they require. Once you find the brand and size that is right for you, you may be able to buy them in larger quantities to get a discount, saving you money over the long term. Taking care of your feet is fundamental to good diabetes care, and choosing the right socks is a great place to start.

About the Author: Jason Bacot – Are you suffering from diabetes? Then you’re probably looking for some

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or possibly the

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for comfort. If so, I suggest you check out “DiabeticSocks.net” immediately – you’ll be grateful that you did.

Source:

isnare.com

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