GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CARE OF THE NEUROPATHIC FOOTFor patients with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) or Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes), good foot care is very important. These diseases can damage the nerves, causing loss of sensation and skin changes. This is called a neuropathic foot. This can lead to increased callus formation, dry skin, and increased risk of wounds. It is therefore important to check your feet daily for blisters, red spots, thick and/or blue-black calluses, or wounds. A slightly swollen foot can also indicate something is wrong. If you are unable to examine your feet yourself, it is important to have someone else do it, such as a family member or a community nurse. A mirror can be a useful tool for examining your feet.FOOT CARECheck your feet daily for any abnormalities. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing to prevent athlete's foot. Apply moisturizer to keep the skin supple and prevent cracks. Excessive calluses should be removed by a pedicurist or podiatrist (check with your insurance company if this is covered). In cases of very excessive callus formation, your doctor or nurse may instruct you to remove the callus yourself. It is important to always wear dry, clean, seamless, well-fitting socks. This is due to the potential for skin damage.FOOTWEARShoes are essential for your feet. Therefore, never walk barefoot. This increases the risk of wounds. Shoes should also fit properly: not too tight, but certainly not too loose (blisters from sliding!).ADVICEWear proper footwear, as advised by your doctor. Always wear your shoes, including indoors. Check your shoes daily for stones, pins, or other irregularities. It's also important that the inner leather is free of wrinkles and that the arch support is intact. Any abnormality in the shoe can cause skin damage. Never wear new shoes all day long. Gradually increase the wearing time. After walking for a short distance, immediately check your foot for any abnormalities, redness, or skin damage. If you experience any problems, contact your doctor or nurse immediately. Never walk for long periods at a time. It's better to walk shorter distances more often. Take short steps. Never use a hot water bottle in bed to warm your feet. The reduced sensation increases the risk of sunburn. If you experience loss of sensation in your hands and/or feet, the best way to feel the water temperature is with your elbow or upper arm. It's even better to use a thermostatic tap. Trim your toenails regularly, or have them trimmed. Ingrown and overly thick nails can cause wounds. If you have difficulty walking, a wheelchair may be purchased in consultation with you and your rehabilitation physician. If you experience groin pain, contact your doctor or nurse immediately. This could indicate an infection.WOUND CAREIf wounds do develop on your feet, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
- Treat the wound daily with the prescribed ointment or tincture.
- Try to bandage it as thinly as possible to minimize the risk of pressure sores from the bandage.
- If you have difficulty caring for your feet, you can contact your local nursing service.
If you experience any problems, contact the hospital.
You can also consult your general practitioner. |
