Warding Off Diabetic Foot with Professional Pedicures

According to The Diabetes Association, 1 out 5 people with diabetes will be hospitalized because of foot problems. If not caught early enough, amputation is the only solution for these people. Luckily, this situation is preventable. You can ward off diabetic foot with professional pedicures and a daily home regime.

Over a period of time, diabetes can result in neuropathy, which is damage to the sensory nerves, and occurs most often in the hands and feet. If diabetics reach this stage, they are unable to feel cuts, blisters, slivers or any other type of injury due to a deadening of the nerves. This makes them prone to infections and fungus problems. If this weren't enough, there are deformities such as hammer toes, marked discolourations and other complications that can arise from the decrease in circulation. Ingrown toe nails and cracked heels are very commonplace.

All of this is very serious business. Failure to pay careful attention to your feet can result in gangrene and amputation.

Please, if you have diabetes be vigilant!

Do it yourself pedicures carry the risk of being done improperly. If the nails are cut too short, if you nick yourself or your soaking water is too hot, you open yourself up to a host infection and the dreaded diabetic foot.

Professional pedicurists are trained in treating the feet of diabetics. They know to be gentle, the do's and don'ts and will point out to you any wounds or other symptoms that they notice while helping you. Safety is a prime concern, and it's a good idea to ensure that you get treatment with someone experienced. When booking your appointment, make sure to mention your diabetes so the spa can assign you the right pedicurist.

You may still wonder why it is so very important to put out money for a pedicure. Aside from all the reasons mentioned above, spas are ultra careful about hygiene. They have legal standards to maintain, and use top quality disinfectant solutions to kill bacteria and viruses. This is vital to diabetics warding off diabetic foot.

To break down the benefits:

• Improvements in the health, comfort and appearance of your feet. Your risk of infection is lower than DIY treatments, discolouration is kept at bay, your feet will feel great. On top of that, a pedicure is relaxing, which is good for your whole being.
• Treatment of ingrown toenails is an important part of a diabetic's pedicure. If cut improperly, severe infection can set in. A professional knows how to trim gently, smooth sharp edges and knows better than to cut into the corners.
• Blood circulation is increased with the very gentle massage. This is what helps retain normal skin colour in the foot. Make sure that your pedicurist does not use really hot water for the soak. If the water temperature is too high, you may come away with sores.
• Calluses and corns are spared infection with a professional gentle scrubbing. You want to take care of these, which means you should also ensure that the inside of your shoes do not rub your feet and cause more of these problems. Remember, diabetics may not be able to feel the pain.
• Cracked skin is treated through the use of massage to get the nerves stimulated. In conjunction with hydrotherapy, moisturizers or vitamin E oils are applied to rehydrate the skin. If left untreated, bacteria can enter the cracks.
• Athlete's foot can also be warded off or reduced, as it is a fungal infection and responds well to these treatments.

Warding off diabetic foot with a professional pedicure really is your best method of keeping your feet comfortable and healthy. I won't restate the reasons, they've already been mentioned.

If you are a diabetic, you need to check your feet and shoes everyday. It is so incredibly important, as you can see in the video below.

If even one person avoids amputation because they read this hub, I will be the happiest person in the world.

Please take good care of yourself.

_____________________________________________________________

If you would like more information about professional pedicures for diabetics, please email me with your questions.