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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
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
Assessment and awareness
Always be aware of High Risk Feet
Loss of feeling Poor blood supply Past history of foot
ulcer
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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."
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
Preventing foot problems
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.
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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
Preventing foot problems
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
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
30 minutes moderate intensity on most days preferably all
Helps to: Increased insulin sensitivity Decreased insulin requirements Weight reduction Lipid control Blood pressure control
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
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
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
Identification of a problem
Prevention is better than cure!
Prevention and early identification of foot problems can prevent foot ulcers and amputation
DPMI Workforce Development – The Alfred Workforce Development Team June 2005
Source: Footcare in Diabetes Workbook for Health Professionals. Australian Diabetes Educators Association