With circulation being cut down to the extremeties by diabetes, sometimes cold feet are a sign that blood isn’t flowing to the feet and should be checked out…or at least that’s what they tell me. So I do check it out once in a while, and wear lotion and socks to bed at night. My dh sure appreciates that.
My insurance is excellent on every other issue regarding diabetes except this one. They won’t pay for routine foot care, not even for diabetics, and I can’t afford it on my own. So I trim my own toenails most of the time - do a terrible job, and I wear progressive lenses and can’t get my foot in a position where I can actually see what I’m doing clearly. In the summer I do have a couple of pedicures, but can’t afford that year-round either.
Ruth
and never go for a pedicure. Seems really high risk of infection. Again, something I did when I was younger!
Wow:) that sounds like very comprehensive, preventative care. Unfortunately, I do not get this…I have seen a podiatrist 1x and that was because I made the appointment to have a thorough exam and recs for shoes. I guess I thought I had gotten old enough to worry about my feet! I have no neuropathy (thankfully) or issues…trim my toenails straight across and file them. Check my feet daily and always apply almond oil to them at bedtime…to minimize risk of cracks, etc. When I was younger I did not do this! I remember coming back from Africa (where I wore my tevas every day) and was shocked to see a huge callous and crack on my heel! I freaked out and started taking care of my feet:)
Hi Patricia,
the cornerstone of good (basic) diabetes management is
exercise/diet
education
family support
healthcare team support
self testing
hba1c
bp check
cholesterol check
eye check
and Equally important is daily self foot checks (podiatrist too)
all of the above on a 3-12 month cycle
i heard that you can nw add a 'good microlbumin reading to the mix
I am so jealous. I am lucky if my previous doctors remember to check my feet, let alone actually take care of them like that. I do all of my foot care myself. Have a pumus (forgive the spelling) stone to smooth out callouses, and lotion to help keep them soft, but that’s about it. I keep meaning to find a good podiatrist, but so far it hasn’t happened.
Honestly of all the usual complications I attribute to diabetes, my 20/20 vision (hehehehehe), my pearly whites and what not my footsies have been holding up well. I get them checked during my bi annual visits and just do regular checkups and maintenance at home.
My HUSBAND is the one with icicles for feet in this household! And I’M the one with T2 Diabetes! LOL…
My endo checks my feet for neuro status once a year. He uses that very thin metal thing to check my sensitivity, etc. Neither he nor the nurse would ever actually provide foot care, however. I used to go to a podiatrist but I quit since I thought it was costing Medicare a lot to get my nails trimmed when I could do that myself, as well as check my feet. I use a lotion I like and my endo does say my feet are among the best looking of his diabetics’ feet. Trust me though, they are not good looking feet! But still, they work OK for an older gal! I have found an occasional blister though that I had not been aware of, therefore, I do think it is a good idea to look at the bottom of your feet as well as the easier to check top, sides, and toes.
When I was diagnosed in 2007 doc said “you have to watch your feet for sores” He never looked at my feet that day, or any day since. No one takes care of my feet but me, if I start to have issues I will get a referral for a specialist.
I do my own feet for the most part, but i am also a trained esthetician.
I get a pedicure a couple times in the summer just because i have short arms an long legs so painting them is doable but very challenging!
Most of the estheticians here are also trained to do diabetic feet, so I feel confident, plus, if they are doing it wrong… I know and point it out!
I get the neuro check from my endo about every other visit (with the little wire thing). I take care of my own feet otherwise. I sort of feel like it’s ridiculous to rely on someone else to take care of my body. I’m not helpless. If I have a problem I can’t handle, then I’ll ask a doctor. But I’m not paying a copay for someone to use nail clippers on me. That’s not in my budget.
What a great check list Michael, thank you.
I guess foot care wasn’t optional at the previous clinic I went to. It was part of the education and part of the care, so I got accustomed to it. Now at the clinic I am at, no one has said anything, so it’s up to me to set those up…and really it’s my diabetes, my care, so I’m am responsible. I still wish they would do the polish though! LOL
Since I’ve switched clinics after this last thread entry, I now have a clinic and a PA that hasn’t asked about foot care, and it’s getting that time to take care of that. I have been doing my own, but have noticed my numbness and sharp shooting pains in my little toe…very painful. It helps to get up and walk around when it starts, but there is something going on…so better schedule that appt with the podiatrist. I do need someone to check them out. I don’t want to lose them, but can’t do it all myself. I just wish they’d do the polish LOL
As a man, I love my “tootsies”. It wasnt until the last year that I could tell the neuropothy in my feet, so I now go to a “tootsie doctor” every 3 months. I am doing better but we have to care for them since we only get 2 of them, I will be darned if something happens and end up walking around like a pirate’s pegleg.