Diabetics are prone to problems of the foot and leg, often because of poor blood circulation and nerve damage. Often, through a general sense of awareness and some basic foot care guidelines, further damage to the skin of the foot can be prevented. Here are some guidelines for caring for a foot with compromised circulation:

• Inspect your feet daily. Check the top, bottom, between toes. Look for blisters, sores, swelling, cracks, redness and cuts. Get help if necessary.
• Avoid going barefoot, ever.
• For dry skin, apply moisturizer, but avoid the area between the toes.
• Make sure your shoes fit properly. Avoid shoes that expose the foot such as thongs.
• Avoid soaking your feet or use of a heating pad.
• Avoid using sharp instruments on your feet. Have your doctor examine them if you believe something needs to be removed.
• When clipping nails, cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Always wear clean, dry socks and ensure your shoes are completely empty before putting them on.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day. Make sure the area between the toes is dry. Make sure the water is lukewarm and not too hot.
• Avoid smoking, as blood flow can be further restricted.

Get regular medical checkups. Should a wound form, care from a medical professional skilled in wound care should be sought immediately. Should the wound not heal quickly, please consider a risk free trial today of our oxygen therapy device, EPIFLO.

EPIFLO is currently available Risk Free for most patients. See our Risk Free Offer page for details.