A Simple Guide to Foot Care

A Simple Guide to Foot Care
-------------------------------

What is Foot Care?
------------------------------------

Typically the foot is furthest from the heart and therefore more easily plagued with problems like poor blood circulation or neurological deficit.

Therefore taking care of the foot is very important especially in diabetic patients.

Foot care is an important tool in prevention of foot problems at all ages.


What is important in Foot care?
--------------------------------------

Footwear:

1.Shoes should fit comfortably.

2.Soft shoes like canvas or soft leather is preferred because they cause less
pressure points.
Foam rubber shoes cause fewer planter calluses

3.The toe box should be wide and high enough to accomodate any exostosis or contractures.

4.Shoes should have anterior as well as a posterior heel.
This protects the metatarsal heads from coming under stress.

5.Wearing sport shoes which are comfortable and has air bubbles at the front and back of the shoes will prevent friction in sports like jogging and brisk walking.

6.Woman's shoes should not have high heels as these increase increased pressure
on the planter surface and the metatarsal bones.
A low heel lace shoe is more comfortable because of the bigger toe box.

7.Specially constructed shoes may be necessary for patients with deformities of the foot.

8. Full length soft molded inlays can be used when pressure sores or painful calluses are present.

Socks:

1.Socks or stocking should fit comfortably and kept dry at all times

2.Tight constricting stocking should not be worn.

3.Loose stockings which can wrinkle should also be avoided

Foot:

1.Inspect and clean foot daily.

2.wash feet daily with bland soap and lukewarm water.

Pat dry gently and thoroughly especially between the toes after wash.

Do not rub the foot vigorously.

3.keep your toe nails short,trimming them straight across to avoid ingrowing toenails

4.moisturise feet daily to prevent dryness and cracking of skin

5.web spaces should be kept dry with powder or small pieces of cotton wool in between toes.

6.examine feet daily for scratches, cuts, blisters and corn

7.use a mirror to check the sole of your feet

8.Avoid going barefoot

9.Seek prompt treatment for cuts and sores

10.annual review for foot ulcers, risk of neuropathy(poor sensation), blood circulation( palpable pulses)

General Measures:

1.Smoking should be avoided as it causes constriction of the blood vessels

2.Avoid extreme temperatures such as excessive heat or cold

3.Home surgery should avoided in diabetes and those with vascular disease.

Avoid cutting calluses or corns yourself.

Also avoid applying strong chemicals to calluses or corn.

Instead try changing the weight bearing stresses on the foot.

4.When ulcers do appear they are most commonly on the weight bearing surface of the foot.

Vigorous local care such as removal of infected tissues and control of infections with antibiotics and antibiotic creams are indicated.

If the foot is warm and the blood flow good(feel pulse), healing of ulcers
usually will occur.

Raise the foot and exercise the foot to improve blood circulation.

5.Any injuries or cuts in the foot should be treated instantly to prevent any complication such as infection

6.Good balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is important.