Best Feet Forward Foot Care for People with Diabetes Produced by The Alfred Workforce Development...

Best Feet ForwardFoot Care for People with Diabetes

Produced by The Alfred Workforce Development Team on behalf of DHS Public Health - Diabetes Prevention and Management Initiative June 2005

Module 4.1.2

The foot diagrams and resources used in this presentation are adapted from

Feet can last a life time. A health professionals guide to preventing diabetes foot problems.

National Diabetes Education Program www.ndep.nih.gov/resources/health.htm

DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005

Acknowledgements


Common types of diabetes

Type 1 Type 2Age of onset Usually <40 Usually >40Body weight Lean Usually obeseProne to ketoacidosis

Yes No

Medication Insulin essential

Tablets and /or insulin

Onset of symptoms

Acute Gradual (may be asymptomatic)

The feet can be affected by:

Decreased blood supply poor healing

Nerve damage loss of feeling

High Blood Sugar levels decrease healing


Foot problems

Assessment and awareness

Regular assessment of feet is important to check for: Sense of feeling and pulses in

the feet

Foot problems/deformities or past history of foot ulcer

If foot problems are present feet referral to a podiatrist is recommended.


Assessment and awareness

Always be aware of High Risk Feet

Loss of feeling Poor blood supply Past history of foot

ulcer


Source: Footcare in Diabetes Workbook for Health Professionals. Australian Diabetes Educators Association

Check feet every day. Individuals may have

serious foot problems, but feel no pain.

Check feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails.

Make checking feet part of your every day routine.


Caring for the feet

Caring for the feet

Wash feet every day

Wash feet in warm, not hot, water. Do not soak because skin will get dry.

Dry feet well. Be sure to dry between the toes.


Caring for the feet

Keep the skin soft and smooth

Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream.

Do not put lotion or cream between toes


Caring for the feet

Smooth corns and calluses gently.

Check with the doctor/podiatrist before using a pumice stone.

Use pumice stone after bathing or showering

Don’t cut corns and calluses. Don't use razor blades, corn plasters, or

liquid corn and callus removers - they can damage the skin.


Caring for the feet Toenails should be trimmed

regularly With clippers after

bath/shower. Straight across and smooth

with an emery board or nail file. don't cut into the corners of the

toenail. If toenails are thick or yellowed,

or nails curve and grow into the skin, have a podiatrist trim them.


Preventing foot problems

Protect the feet Wear shoes and socks at all times. Choose clean, lightly padded socks

that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best

Check the insides of shoes before putting them on to be sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in them.


Preventing foot problems Protect the feet

Wear shoes that fit well and protect the feet.

Athletic or walking shoes are good for daily wear. They support the feet and allow them to "breathe."

Avoid vinyl or plastic shoes, because they don't stretch or "breathe."


Preventing foot problems Appropriate shoes

Pointed toes or high heels put too much pressure on the toes.

Shoes also need to be deep and wide enough to prevent rubbing.



Protect your feet from hot

and cold. Keep your feet away from

radiators and open fires. Do not use hot water bottles on

feet. Lined boots are good in winter to

keep your feet warm and socks at night

Remember to use sunscreen on the top of your feet if outside.


Keep the blood flowing to the feet. Keep feet up when sitting. Exercises for the feet

Wiggle toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day Move ankles up and down and in and out.

Don’t Cross legs Wear tight socks, elastic or rubber bands, or garters

around your legs. Don't smoke

Smoking reduces blood flow to feet. Control

Blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005


Healthy Eating

Control blood glucose and blood fats

Body weight Healthy food

Regular carbohydrate High in fibre Low in fat (particularly

saturated fat) Low in added sugar Adequate energy

/protein/fluids/vits and mins


30 minutes moderate intensity on most days preferably all

Helps to: Increased insulin sensitivity Decreased insulin requirements Weight reduction Lipid control Blood pressure control


Exercise / Activity

Daily inspection of the feet note: Broken skin Redness Swelling Corns/callus Black/blue areas

Report to nurse/GP or podiatrist for assessment if you detect any of these problems


Identification of a problem

Prevention is better than cure!

Prevention and early identification of foot problems can prevent foot ulcers and amputation


Source: Footcare in Diabetes Workbook for Health Professionals. Australian Diabetes Educators Association

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