~ Authored by Dr Arun Bal, Consultant-Diabetic Foot Surgeon, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate ~

For people with Diabetes, even a common foot issue can lead to infection or serious complications and even amputation. Therefore, Diabetic foot care is important, especially, during winter as it brings with it threats of decreased circulation & numbness that may cause issues. Cold climate and fluctuating moisture & dryness elevate the risk of Diabetic foot issues. About 15% of Diabetics seek treatment at a hospital because of an infection or foot ulcer, which leads to amputation in some cases. So here are a few things you should do to prevent Diabetes foot complication during winters.

• Keep your feet dry. Moisture that collects between your socks, your feet and toes can form bacteria, which can lead to an infection
• Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don’t moisturize between the toes, that could encourage a fungal infection. Moreover, keep in mind that poor circulation associated with Diabetes often decreases the moisturizing glands in patients’ feet who are diabetic, leaving their feet more susceptible to severe dryness
• Examine all the pressure points on your feet and in between your toes. Keep an eye out for discharge, changes in color or odor, painful corns or calluses, or breaks in the skin
• A safer way for people with Diabetes to minimize dryness and the chance of burning their feet is to keep direct heat away from that area. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet, making the simple task of warming them in the winter rather intricate for someone with Diabetes. Always be careful when using hot soaks or heating pads (Please DO NOT use hot soak/ heating pads/ cold packs for pain and cramps). And always check the water temperature before you stick your feet in
• Patients with Diabetes should not put their feet in hot water-they should test bath water with their hands or a thermometer first. Also, avoid using warming aids on the feet, such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads
• In any climate, patients with Diabetes should wear well-fitted shoes with supportive soles and a wide toe box to reduce cramping. During the colder seasons, extra thought should be given to sock texture and how the weather will affect walking condition
• Regulating your blood sugar is an important part of diabetic foot care. Your feet are one of the first places poor diabetic control appears. Work with your doctor to control your blood sugar
• Since patients with Diabetes are highly sensitive to foot issues, they should see a foot & ankle surgeon regularly as a preventive measure

Always remember, with proper foot care, patients with Diabetes can lessen their chances of incurring a foot issue.

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