While foot care may be at the foot of our priority list, as it concerns literally the last part of our bodies, choosing to neglect it can cause major health issues. More specifically, those who have diabetes need to take extra precautions when it comes to foot care.
“With increasing age, foot care becomes important as people are more likely to experience a considerable number of foot problems,” LaCorium Health Group Technical Manager and registered pharmacist Amit Saha says.
“Ageing affects foot health and is associated with changes in foot characteristics. Similarly, special attention should be given by people with long-term diseases like diabetes, as foot problems in such patients can turn into severe problems, such as infection, ulceration, and gangrene, which may require amputation.”
Mr Saha says health concerns that may arise from poor foot care habits include:
- Skin dryness.
- Broken skin between toes.
- Callus.
- Corn.
- Cracked skin.
- Colour change in nails.
- Infections and wounds.
- Foot shape changes/deformity.
- Ulceration.
- Gangrene.
How diabetes is involved
Foot problems are a common complication of diabetes. Mr Saha says diabetes can impact feet through:
Poor circulation. “Diabetes causes blood vessels of the foot and leg to narrow and harden,” he says.
“Poor circulation can make [the] foot less able to fight infection and to heal. Signs of poor circulation to the feet may be cramps or pain in the backs of legs when walking.”
Nerve damage. “High blood sugar/glucose causes injury to the nerves throughout the body, most often nerves in legs and feet, and may lead to loss of sensation in the foot.”
“Nerve damage can affect the body’s ability to control the oil and moisture in [the] foot.”
Mr Saha adds that poor circulation and nerve damage can cause the skin to peel and crack, while symptoms of nerve damage can be minimal or “painful and disabling”.
Diabetic neuropathy
Damage to the nervous system can cause diabetic neuropathy if symptoms progress.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, according to Mr Saha, include:
- A tingling, pins-and-needles sensation in the feet.
- Numbness.
- Coldness of the leg.
- Burning pains in the legs and feet, usually more noticeable in the bed at night.
- Increased sensitivity to touch.
People losing sensations in the feet is a huge concern for diabetic neuropathy, he adds, because often they are unable to feel pain, and injuries go unnoticed.
Strategies and solutions
Many types of foot care products are available in a pharmacy to help customers keep on top of their foot care, including, according to Mr Saha:
- Cleaning agents (wash/soaps).
- Mild exfoliation products, such as pumice stone, exfoliating scrub, etc., should be provided only on the advice of a healthcare professional.
- Foot cream/moisturiser.
- Nail care (nail cutter).
- Antiseptic agents in case of cuts and wounds.
- Dressings.
Mr Saha says moisturisers and products for skin hydration can assist in foot care by:
- Removing dead skin cells.
- Increasing the water uptake from the deeper level.
- Preventing further water loss.
- Allowing other emollients to work more efficiently.
It’s important that pharmacy assistants are well versed when it comes to the products available in pharmacy that can help customers take control of their foot care habits, so they can confidently give shoppers insights and tips.
To read the full feature as it appears in the July issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine, visit: rpassistants.com.au/magazines/retail-pharmacy-assistants-july-2021/
