Checking your feet, choosing footwear -what to look for?
Small actions can make a big impact. And the good news is it only takes a few minutes. Try adding your foot check to something you already do daily such as having a shower or bath, when you go to bed, or when you’re sat down in the evening watching tv. Can’t get down to reach? Try a long-handled mirror, or a mirror on the floor so that you can sit and see the bottom of your foot in the mirror.
And what about footwear (including slippers)?
It’s important that you don’t walk barefoot, even inside. But what are you looking for when choosing shoes and slippers to wear?
Choose fastenings that are adjustable such as laces, buckles, or Velcro
Ensure the heel doesn’t slip at the back
Check inside shoes and slippers before putting them on, is there anything in the shoe that is sharp or could rub?
Are they well padded or cushioned in areas that receive the most pressure?
Are they the right size? There should be a 6mm space in front of the longest toe, but not so much room your feet move around
Is there enough room in the toe box? You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly
Ensure socks don’t have seams that can rub, that they are the right size and that the cuffs aren’t too tight around your legs and ankle
Your feet, what are you looking for?
Check all of your foot for the following (including between your toes)
Colour changes such as redness, yellow/green/blue, black or purple skin
Any breaks in the skin such as a cut, blister or open sore
Toenails that have become too long and can dig in
Callus, hard skin, flaky skin (check between your toes) or dry skin and foot deformities
Any pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or unpleasant smell or discharge fluid anywhere on your feet?
What to do if you notice a lot of high pressure on the app:
If the app or weekly email reports indicate that you are experiencing a lot of high pressure detected by the device, the first thing to check is your feet (even if you have already checked them earlier that day). Then, please follow the steps below until pressure returns to low or moderate (you may not need to complete both steps):
Check your feet (even if you have already checked them earlier today)
Sit down for 2 minutes or more (this could alleviate some of the pressure by taking some weight off your feet)
Check both shoes for anything inside them
If you have any concerns about what you see when you check your feet, then please contact Sue (contact details below), and your podiatrist, as soon as possible.
The devices won’t tell you that there is an immediate problem because pressure is a problem that builds up over time if you don’t do anything to stop it. The devices are not designed to tell you that you are at immediate risk of an ulcer developing instantaneously, like high blood pressure, pressure on the bottom of your feet is often undetectable, and can build up silently.
Wearing the devices and when to stop:
Some people report mild discomfort that goes away after a while, while others have reported increased comfort while wearing the devices so it is important to be aware that they may feel different. It is advisable to wear them in at first and check your feet to ensure there are no problems such as redness or swelling. While it is unlikely that the devices should cause a problem, just like when you wear a new pair of shoes, it is important to be extra vigilant.
If you notice any pain or signs that the devices are affecting your foot health such as redness or swelling please stop wearing immediately and contact Sue on the contact details here.
Click HERE to find out more about your foot health, heart health, glucose levels, and how it is all connected