It is especially important to look after your feet if you have diabetes. Here’s how to take care of your feet and advice on when to get professional help.
The risk of complications can be greatly reduced if you’re able to bring your blood sugar levels under control.
Ensure that your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also monitored and controlled with medication if needed. Smoking is also not a good idea as it has a harmful effect on the blood supply to your feet.
Foot care tips if you have diabetes
- Ask your GP for a referral or find a local podiatrist. Keep your feet clean and free from infection.
- Wear shoes that fit well and don’t squeeze or rub.
- Never walk barefoot, especially in the garden or on the beach on holidays.
- Cut or file your toenails regularly.
- Get corns or hard skin treated by a podiatrist.
- Seek treatment from your GP or podiatrist if foot blisters or injuries do not heal quickly.
- Treat ulcers urgently, within 24 hours, especially if there is redness or swelling around the area, or in an area where you’ve previously been warned to seek immediate attention.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- you see breaks in the skin of your foot, or discharge
- the skin over part or all of the foot changes colour and becomes more red, blue, pale or dark
- you notice extra swelling in your feet where there was a blister or injury
If you have any concerns, our contact numbers can be found here.
We also have a range of other therapies on offer at our Healthpoint premises in Ainsdale, Formby and Maghull.
To visit the Healthpoint website click here.