Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

Diabetes: preparing for a foot check

Inspecting your feet helps identify injury even without pain. Prepare observations for the check and consult the doctor promptly for any abnormality.

Editorial illustration of a health discussion; it does not depict the pharmacy’s actual premises.
Editorial illustration — Kennedy Pharmacy Mulhouse

General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.

Diabetes can affect the nerves and arteries of the lower limbs. Reduced sensation can allow a foot injury to go unnoticed. Waiting to feel pain is therefore not enough to monitor your feet.

Inspect your feet every day: the skin, nails, soles and spaces between the toes. A mirror or help from someone close to you can be useful for areas that are difficult to see. Look for wounds, blisters, redness or skin changes.

Prepare observations to show the doctor: lesions, calluses, nail changes or changes in the shape of the foot. The professional check assesses sensation, circulation, abnormalities and whether footwear fits appropriately.

Ameli advises consulting your doctor promptly for even the smallest lesion or anything that seems abnormal. Do not wait for the next prevention discussion to have that finding examined.

If sensation or circulation is impaired, avoid sharp or pointed tools, irritating corn-removal products, walking barefoot and direct heat sources. Also check inside your shoes for anything that could cause injury.

Daily inspection complements the annual medical foot examination. Ask when this check is planned and which precautions match the risk assessed by the professional. The risk grade is established during the medical assessment.

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