Anatolian side:

Ihlamurkuyu, Ihlamurkuyu district, Alemdağ street, Huzur Sk. no:5 floor:1, 34771 Umraniye/Istanbul

European side:

Kartaltepe Mahallesi Torkam E5 Office D1 Block Floor:2 D:36 Sefaköy Metrobus Station, 34295 Küçükçekmece/Istanbul

Diabetic Hand Foot Care

About Diabetic Hand Foot Care

The feet of the person who will be treated with diabetic hand and foot undergo a careful control. After examining the sole of the person’s feet, between the toes, and nail edges in detail, it is time for diabetic hand and foot care . People with diabetes have circulatory disorders in their feet. As a result, loss of sensation occurs. Problems such as thickening of the nails and ingrown nails are more common in diabetic people. It is essential to carefully cut the nails straight to avoid ingrown nails. Nail corners should not be left pointed. Nail tips are filed and nail surfaces need to be trimmed using router bits. People with diabetes are at higher risk of experiencing nail problems. If people have nail problems, it is necessary to intervene at the appropriate time. After these interventions, only foot care can be started. In the vast majority of people with diabetes, the skin under the feet is thinned. Accordingly, the skin under the feet is sensitive. Some thickening of the heel can also be seen. When caring for the feet, it is necessary to use creams specific to diabetic people. It is essential that the specialist who cares for diabetic people is an expert in the subject. In addition, the medical care professional should not bleed the heel while working.

What Should Be Considered Before Diabetic Hand Foot Care?

One of the things to be considered in diabetic hand and foot care is whether the person has a loss of feeling in their feet or hands. Listen to yourself, tingling, burning, numbness, etc. in these areas. are you having problems? Experiencing these symptoms means that your nerves are starting to be affected due to diabetes. Cold feet, pale or even purple foot color, and unbearable pain in the feet also indicate that it is time to do diabetic hand and foot care. Of course, there may be different reasons that cause all these situations. However, diabetes is often suspected. These symptoms mean that there is not enough blood going to the foot one way or another.

Make sure the caregiver is an expert. After carefully examining your foot and hand, start the care. Maintenance should be done in a hygienic environment. Experienced medical care specialist will also be preferred. When you pay attention to these points, you will be satisfied with the results.

How to Choose Shoes After Diabetic Hand Foot Care?

It is recommended to go shopping in the evening to choose shoes after diabetic hand and foot care . Because at this time, the feet take their most swollen state. This way you can choose the most comfortable shoes for you. When choosing shoes, make sure that the shoe is in the shape of the foot. Choosing the wrong shoes can cause the positive effects of diabetic hand and foot care to disappear. When choosing a shoe, do not make it according to whether it is fashionable or not. Other points to consider when choosing shoes can be listed as follows:

  • Choose shoes with laces or velcro. In this way, the foot stays more comfortable in the shoe.
  • The toe cap should allow the toes to move sufficiently in the shoe.
  • The heel of the shoes should be less than 5 cm.
  • The sole of the shoes should be flat and soft.
  • Avoid high heels.
  • If the shoe you choose causes foot burns and blisters, do not wear this shoe again.

How to Care for Socks After Diabetic Hand Foot Care?

When choosing socks for diabetic hand and foot care , be sure to choose absorbent fabrics as much as possible. Prefer cotton socks and avoid nylon socks. The elastic of the socks should not be too tight. Too tight tires can reduce blood flow to the ankle and calf. If the seams of the socks are too coarse, wear them inside out or don’t wear them at all. It is recommended that you prefer your socks to be as light in color as possible. Check the sock every evening as you take it off. If you have a wound on your foot, these wounds will definitely leave a mark on the socks. It should not be forgotten that the choice of socks for diabetics is at least as important as foot care.

How Should Nails Be in Diabetic Hand Foot Care?

In diabetic hand and foot care, nails must meet the following conditions:

  • The person should have access to their nail.
  • Nails should not be cut too short.
  • Nails should be trimmed using the correct cutting technique.
  • There should be no obstacle in the hands of the person to use the nail clippers.
  • The person should be in a position to take care of their nails.
  • The best time to cut nails is after a bath. Because hot water will soften the nails and make them easier to cut.
  • When cutting nails, a nail clipper specially produced for this job should be used.
  • Nails should never be allowed to grow longer than the tip of the toe. This will invite the formation of foot wounds.
  • Nails can be cut slightly curved or straight.
  • If there is dirt in the nails, a soft brush should be used to clean them.
  • Nails should not be cut in one blow. It is necessary to cut slowly in small pieces.
  • Deformation of the nail bed should not be caused while the nail is being cut.
  • Nail trimming should be done regularly.

How Can Diabetics Do Hand Foot Care?

Diabetic hand and foot care starts with washing the feet of the person. Feet should be washed every day. After washing, it should be ensured that between the toes remain dry. Prefer soaps that do not dry the skin during washing. If there is a wet place left after soaping, you are inviting fungi. Separate the fingers while drying the fingers. Do not make rough gestures. Otherwise, it may cause the rare skin between the fingers to be torn and damaged. Feet should not stay in water for a long time. This causes the skin of the feet to dry and cracks to form. In particular, the skin of the feet of diabetics tends to be dry anyway. This causes crack formation and microbes to enter through the crack. These germs can cause serious infection problem. Regular use of moisturizing cream is recommended for dry feet. Choosing the right moisturizing cream is important.

If you have unusual color changes, lines, etc. on your nails. If you see it, get professional help. Do not forget that if you get a fungal disease, you can get an infection. It is wrong to try to cure one’s self. The specialists can perform the treatment after the necessary examinations.

What is Metabolic Control in Diabetic Hand Foot Care?

Metabolic control in diabetic hand and foot care refers to keeping the blood sugar level in place. However, blood pressure, cholesterol and other values should be at the level they should be. Smoking and alcohol should not be used. Attention should be paid to the choice of shoes. A sudden drop in blood sugar is more harmful to health than an increase. So make sure you have something sweet with you. All of these represent metabolic control. It is important to exhibit the necessary behaviors in order to maintain order in the body.

Behavioral control can be defined as following all the recommendations regarding control and converting them into habits. Patients with diabetes tend to have sores on their feet. Since wound healing will be late and difficult, diabetic hand and foot care must be done.