Key Points of Diabetic Foot Care
First, a daily foot examination is necessary, including the top, bottom, and toes. Carefully observe the skin's color, temperature, and moisture level, check for edema, skin lesions, and assess sensory and motor reflexes.
Second, maintain a daily routine of soaking the feet in warm water. The water temperature should not exceed 40°C, with the soaking time ideally between 10 to 20 minutes.
Third, regularly trim your toenails. Long toenails can easily break and damage the surrounding tissue, thus it is important for diabetic foot patients to regularly trim their nails.
Fourth, the breathability of shoes and socks is important. It is advised not to wear sandals or slippers that expose the skin of the feet since exposed skin is more susceptible to injuries.
Fifth, never walk barefoot.
Sixth, avoid using electric blankets, hot water bottles, heating by the fire, and cupping therapy, to prevent burns on your feet.
Seventh, maintain proper skin moisture. For patients with sweaty feet prone to excessive sweating, fungal infections may occur. It is recommended to wipe the spaces between toes with medical alcohol during foot baths, and to add a small amount of vinegar to the footbath water, as a bifunctional environment discourages fungal growth.
Eighth, actively control blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Ninth, maintain moderate exercise. Frequently elevate the affected limb to facilitate blood return and improve circulation in the lower limbs.