Caring for your feet in winter
Having diabetes means you are at higher risk of foot problems. High blood glucose levels can reduce the blood circulation to your feet. This can mean wounds take longer to heal and are more likely to become infected. Nerves in the feet can also become damaged, so you can lose feeling in your feet and not notice if they are injured.
Problems with the blood flow and nerves in the feet can lead to serious problems, such as an ulcer or even amputation. Most amputations are preventable with good footcare and treating any problems early.
Caring for your feet is important all year round, but there are some extra things to consider as we move into the colder months.
Stay active
When the weather turns cold it can be easy to choose to stay indoors, but physical activity is great for your feet as well as your general health. Physical activity helps the blood circulation in your feet and lowers your blood glucose levels. If the weather isn’t pleasant, try an indoor activity such as a shopping centre walking group.
If you decide to become more active than usual, check with your diabetes health care team first.
Keep your feet warm but take care with how you do this
Wear warm socks and protective shoes. If you wear thicker socks in winter, make sure that your shoes don’t become too tight. You may need larger shoes in winter. Your podiatrist can help you with footwear choices.
If your feet are cold, warm them up gradually with warm socks and shoes, and by walking around to get your blood moving. Don’t use a hot water bottle, electric blanket or sit too close to a heater. These can burn your feet without you realising.
If having a warm bath, check first with your elbow or a thermometer to make sure the water is not too hot. Otherwise get someone else to check the temperature for you.
Don’t let your feet stay wet
Germs such as tinea love moisture and warmth. Constant moisture can also lead to skin damage.
Wear socks to help absorb sweat and stop your shoes from rubbing your feet. Make sure they are not too tight which can reduce blood circulation, or too loose where they could bunch up.
Wear shoes that will keep your feet dry when walking outside.If your feet do get wet, dry them as soon as you can and change your socks. If your shoes get wet inside, dry them out before wearing them again.
Care for your feet every day
Of course, caring for your feet is important all year round. Protect your feet from injury and check them every day. Contact your doctor or podiatrist early if you find a problem.
Have a diabetes foot assessment at least once per year by a trained health professional. This is usually a podiatrist, but your doctor, diabetes educator or Aboriginal health worker may check your feet too.
Take care of your general health by eating well and being smoke free. Managing blood glucose levels, cholesterol and blood pressure can all help to reduce the risk of foot problems.
Here are 10 steps to healthier feet: https://www.footforward.org.au/keep-your-feet-healthy/10-steps-to-healthier-feet/
See here for more helpful tips about caring for your feet, including what to look for when checking your feet:
FootForward for diabetes: https://www.footforward.org.au/
Pictorial guide: My feet and diabetes: https://fliphtml5.com/oclp/hglf
Remember, most serious foot problems are preventable.
