Diabetic Foot Care Tips for Cold Weather
If you have diabetes, you should perform daily foot checks and see your podiatrist regularly. But, when the weather turns cold, you may need to take extra precautions with your diabetic foot care. Because diabetes makes your feet less sensitive, you could step in a puddle and not even realize your feet are wet! This, in turn, increases your risk for foot infections, which also raises your risk for amputations. Want to avoid these dangerous diabetic complications through the long Indiana winter? Check out our top five cold weather foot care tips for diabetics, inspired by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
Dry Your Feet
When you get caught in rain, snow or slush, your feet can get damp. (Even if you pick the perfect winter boots.) Then, that built-up moisture makes it easier for bacteria to form between your toes or on your feet which in turn can lead to infections.
Luckily, it’s easy to prevent this problem. When it’s cold or wet outside, make a plan to remove your shoes and socks as soon you get home. Towel dry your feet right away, giving extra care to spots between your toes. Then put on a fresh, dry pair of socks to protect your feet from indoor hazards, too.
But Also Moisturize
While you don’t want damp feet with diabetes, you also don’t want dry skin: it can crack and increase your risk for ulcers. But, during winter, dry skin is more likely when you’re indoors—all that forced heat is very drying! Plus, when you have diabetes, you’re already more prone to dry skin, because the disease can impact your feet’s moisturizing glands.
To keep your feet properly hydrated, moisturize daily. Use creams, not lotions, and talk to your podiatrist about the best product options. (Creams with urea are more hydrating, and you may need a special prescription cream.)
Stay Warm Safely
Frigid temps make your feet feel frozen. And it’s tempting to stick a hot water bottle on them to get warm. But be warned—if neuropathy has damaged your nerves, you might not notice when that heat is too intense. So you could sustain a serious burn before you even notice a problem.
To avoid complications, indirect warming is best. Steer clear of heated pads and blankets, and test bath water with a thermometer before entering. Just remember, when chilly and in doubt, the safest option is always an extra pair of cozy socks and some fuzzy slippers!
Watch Out for Rubbing
While special ski socks may keep your feet warm, diabetics need to be careful about blisters. So talk to your podiatrist about sock textures that avoid rubbing—sweat wicking materials are often the best choice. Also, if you wear orthotics for diabetics the rest of the year, find boots that don’t pinch or slide, while leaving enough room to include your supportive shoe inserts.
Stay on Top of Foot Exams
When the weather gets bad, your quarterly checkup with your podiatrist could be cancelled. But, if that happens, make sure you reschedule. Because maintaining regular visits with every member of your diabetic care team is the best tool you have in the fight against diabetic complications.
Need to schedule your next diabetic foot exam? Don’t wait: we’re here and ready to see you. Just call us today so we can get you scheduled for a comprehensive foot exam.