Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can also cause sharp pain in your feet. You may become excruciatingly sensitive to the lightest touch, like the sheets on your bed.
1. Check both feet daily.
Look over both feet carefully every day, and be sure you check between all of your toes. Blisters and infections can start between your toes, and with diabetic neuropathy, you may not feel them until they've become irritated or infected.2. Wash with warm -- not hot -- water.
Wash both of your feet briefly each day with warm --
not hot -- water. You may not be able to feel heat with your feet, so
test the water with your hands first. Avoid soaking too long in water,
since waterlogged sores have a harder time healing.
Dry your feet right away, and remember to dry gently between all of your toes.
3. Make sure your shoes fit well.
It's an investment worth making. Even the slightest
rubbing or misfit shoe can cause a blister that turns into a sore that
becomes infected and never heals.
Buy better-fitting shoes, or try different socks,
even at the most minor signs of redness or irritation, since you may not
be able to feel when it's getting worse. Before buying or putting on
the shoes check your shoes for rough seams, sharp edges or other objects
that could hurt your feet. And break your shoes in gradually.
4. Skip the barefoot look.
Always wear shoes or slippers. Always wear socks
with your shoes, since leather, plastics, and manmade shoe materials can
irritate your skin and quickly bring on blisters.
While you might prefer the look of hose, nylon
knee-highs, or thin socks, you may find that these don't give your toes
or heels enough protection. Wear thicker socks to pad your feet and
cushion any calluses or sore spots.
5. Speak up.
Nerve damage can be unpredictable. Tell your doctor
about any changes in sensation in your toes, feet, or legs. Speak up if
you notice pain, tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling, numbness, or any
other unusual signs -- even if it seems trivial to you. There's nothing
small-potatoes about a potential foot amputation.
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