Take A Seat Check Your Feet: It’s Limb Loss Awareness Month and Body In Motion is giving you a method for managing your limb health through a simple, consistent foot check process that you can do anytime and anywhere.
Each week 1750 people lose a leg to diabetes. That’s 250 each day!
And the most heartbreaking part is that about 70% of those amputations could have been prevented. Whether it’s peripheral artery disease or diabetes, certain conditions that reduce the blood flow to your feet can put you at heightened risk for foot health issues and raise your risk of needing an amputation.
The solution?
Check your feet each day.
What To Look For When Checking Your Feet
Aside from regular visits to your doctor, you can perform a daily check of your feet at home or wherever you are.
Investigate the tops and bottoms of your feet as well as the space between your toes and the individual toes themselves.
When you do, be on the lookout for:
Hair loss on your foot or even your leg
In-grown, discolored, or abnormal toenails with puffy skin along your nail beds, tenderness, or pains
Changes in temperature (Ex: One warm section while another is cold) as these can indicate loss of blood flow to certain areas
Numbness, pain, tingling, or even the absence of feeling as these issues can signal nerve problems
Bumps lump, cuts, sores, cracked skin, bruises, or blisters can be a sign of deteriorating foot health
When and How To Check Your Feet
After you bathe, dry your feet and sit in a room with ample lighting. It can be helpful to use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, especially if mobility prevents you from seeing them otherwise.
How To Avoid Foot Health Issues and Amputation
We recommend the following steps for preventing foot health issues.
Wear Properly Fitted Shoes
When things are too tight or your toes are compacted or pushed together you may have a problem of fit with your footwear. Also, notice if your foot slides around too much or your heel slips up and down or back and forth as you walk.
Make Sure Your Socks Do Their Job
They should be moving sweat away from your skin and they should feel comfortable when you wear them with shoes
Alternate Your Footwear Daily
Avoid wearing the same socks or pair of shoes every day.
What To Do If Your Feet Are Already At Risk Of Health Issues
If you’re a person with diabetes or another condition that impacts blood flow, be aware and check your feet with care each day.
Avoid walking barefoot, using extremely hot heating pads or water (when bathing), and don’t forget to put sunscreen on your feet when you’re out and about.
Looking For More Information?
Reach out to the Body In Motion team at 1-888-272-2303 to learn more.
Comments