Diabetes Foot Care
Diabetes causes blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body. You may experience burning pain or loss of feeling in part of your body (diabetic neuropathy). People with diabetes frequently have trouble with their feet. Loss of feeling in your feet makes it hard for you to tell if you have a blister or sore. If little sores aren’t taken care of, they can worsen and turn into ulcers and perhaps loss of a limb.
To Keep Feet Healthy:
Keep blood sugar in control.
Wash feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry well, especially between the toes.
Apply cream or lanolin lotion.
Keep feet dry by dusting them with non-medicated powder.
Check feet every day for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. Use a mirror to see the bottoms.
Call the doctor if anything is found.
Cut toenails straight across and file the edges.
Never go barefoot.
Don’t smoke.
Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support.
Avoid sandals, other open-toe shoes, high heels and pointed-toe shoes.
Wear cotton socks; no seams at toes. Always wear socks with shoes; don’t let them bunch up.
Shake out shoes; look inside for gravel or torn linings, as these could cause blisters or sores.
Choose exercises that are easy on the feet like walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling;
avoid activities such as running and jumping which tend to be hard on the feet.What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. The reflexes on the feet are a mirror of the whole organism of the body.
Reflexology treatment consists of detailed massage to all areas of the feet. These reflex areas relate to all the parts of the body and the massage locates those which are out of balance and not working efficiently. The treatment aims to correct imbalance and return the body to good working order.
Reflexology has been used to good effect in a variety of conditions, both chronic and acute, such as back pain, migraine, stress, digestive disorders and many others.
In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reductions of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body’s equilibrium.
There are a variety of people doing reflexology from concerned parents to doctors in China. There are full time professionals who are trained in reflexology and are known as reflexologist.
Reflexology sessions in general last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is a clothed session with only the removal of the shoes and socks as a requirement. Reflexologist uses a chair and at times a table. The reflexologist should work within your comfort zone. Preference of touch is something you should communicate with your reflexologist to avoid too much pressure.
Reflexology is one of the most natural of therapies, using no medication or drugs, promoting the body’s own healing properties. Some do use oil; however, dry technique is common. You should feel relaxation at the end of session.
Reflexology has almost no potential for direct harm, but its ability to mislead well-meaning people into believing that it can be used for screening for health problems. Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice.