Visit a Podiatrist
Because diabetes is a disease affecting many parts of the body, successful management requires a team approach. Today’s podiatrist is an integral part of the treatment team and has documented success in preventing amputations:
The keys to amputation prevention are early recognition and regular foot screenings performed by a podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert.
Take Action
If you have diabetes, follow these foot care tips:
Thongs (Flip Flops) and Feet
Thongs are often a popular choice of footwear for many people. Thongs allow your feet to air and give your toes the freedom of movement. They are easy to slip on and can be worn with virtually any style of clothing. Thongs, however, despite their many benefits, can be detrimental for your foot health.
Despite their comfortableness, frequently wearing thongs can create problems in the lower body over time. Issues mainly stem from the fact that people walk differently in thongs compared to other footwear, such as sneakers. This is due to a change in one’s natural gait, which therefore creates stress in different parts of the body while hindering the body’s natural posture. Problems can also arise in the arches and balls of the feet as thongs provide little to no support to these areas.
Aside from long-term problems, thongs can also create short-term issues as well, such as ankle sprains and blisters. Weak materials that are flexible and bendable are generally used to manufacture thongs. These materials make its wearers prone to both tripping and injuring their ankles. Thongs can create blisters as the material rubs against the foot. People are much more at risk for infection while wearing thongs due to their openness. This also makes it easier to scrape and cut the foot since there is a lack of protection. If these cuts are left untreated and uncovered, the risk then becomes greater.
To prevent the aforementioned occurrences, purchase a pair of thongs that offer significant protection. The soles of the thongs should not be floppy, but sturdy and firm, and should not significantly bend or wiggle when lifted from the floor. Thongs made of high-quality materials will not be affected by this problem. While higher quality thongs may be more expensive, they will last longer and provide better protection compared to a cheaper pair. Brand name thongs sold from a quality manufacturer are a dependable option.
There is no problem in wearing your favourite pair of thongs so as long as you do not wear them daily or for extended periods of time. Thongs should be replaced every 3-4 months to ensure that they provide your feet with the best protection.