Foot Care services are now available to Aboriginal, and Métis people and their families at Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre. Call 274-3131 and speak to Janice Neurinski RPN for more information or to book and appointment or e-mail jneurinski@gizhac.com for further information.
Diabetes and Foot Problems
The most damaging problem for diabetics and their feet are foot ulcers (sores) that develop on the bottom of the foot. The reason that the ulcers develop is because the patient cannot feel the bottom of their foot and minor trauma can result in openings in the skin, which lead to these ulcerations and eventually to serious infections and also loss of limb. The goal of treatment in diabetics with foot ulcers is to relieve the pressure, prevent infection and ultimately restore sensation to the foot so that loss of limb does not ensue. It is important that a patient with a foot ulcer consult their family doctor. Many tests are employed to maintain a diabetic in good health, including blood tests that monitor their fasting sugar, Hemoglobin A1C, which measures the response to sugar over time, MRI, x-rays and constant supervision of the patient.
Diabetic Hygiene
If you are a diabetic, you know foot care is an essential part of your everyday concerns.
Steps to Healthy Feet
- Have your doctor check your feet regularly.
- Wear diabetic socks and shoes that fit properly.
- Feel inside your shoe before you put it on to make sure there are no rough edges or stones that could cause damage to your foot.
- Check your feet every day. Look in a mirror to see the bottom of your feet. Check for cuts, scrapes and blisters. If you have poor vision, have someone else look at your feet.
- Treat cuts, scrapes and blisters immediately. See your doctor if a wound does not heal. Opened wounds could lead to ulcers or worse.
- Keep your feet clean. Gently wash your feet with soap and water every day. Foot spas can be used to soak and wash your feet, but use only warm water. Hot water is not good to use if you are diabetic. Diabetics can hurt the nerves in their feet, you might not be able to tell if something is hurting your feet. It's best not to use heating pads or HOT water soaks, since you could burn your feet without knowing it.
- Cut your toenails correctly. Cut your toenails straight across the top, not curved at the sides, to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Treat athlete’s foot. Athlete's foot is more common in people who have diabetes, and it can cause problems. If you have athlete's foot, wear a different pair of shoes every other day. This lets your shoes dry out. A good absorbent foot powder is recommended. Always wear absorbent cotton socks. See your doctor if over-the counter treatments do not clear up your athlete's foot.
- Get proper treatment for thickened skin, calluses and corns. Don't trim or cut these spots as home with razor blades or other sharp tools. See your foot care specialist for treatment.
- Take action to improve your circulation. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking can harm the circulation in your feet and keep sores from healing. Daily massage, and exercise can also aid in improving circulation.
- Be aware and take action when need be. This is the best way to keep your feet healthy!
