Foot problems

[Charliewatch]

Can sore feet be reversed or eased,the way l feel is really low the thought of dealing with this terrible disease for the rest of my life really puts me down is there any thing positive l can do,thank you.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Charliewatch,

It's difficult to say as it depends on the cause and level of damage done. It could just be a result of your numbers being out of wack or a long term concern.

Do you have a foot care routine at all? It might be worth chatting with your nurse about what you can do to alleviate the soreness.

I know it's frustrating at times managing diabetes though all we can do is the best we can with the resources we have available. You've done really well so far and just like when first diagnosed, it's a bit of a shock but once you learn how to deal with this issue, things improve.

We're all here for you so feel free to vent any time you need to.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

We have a number of forum members who have to manage difficulties with their feet and also pain from changes in their nerve endings on an ongoing basis.

I wonder if @Flower or @KARNAK might have some experiences to share?

How are you doing with your diabetes management @Charliewatch ?

I think that trying to reduce glucose instability and variation, and to keep in range as much as possible with as few big swings as you can manage is thought to help with both pain and long-term foot health

 

[Charliewatch]

Thanks for the reply,sorry for not responding earlier,with the Corona Virus Lockdown my surgery are not as active as normal,if l could just ease the discomfort it centres around hard skin on the side of the the big toes there is no redness which confuses me thanks if anybody see this.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think flexitol cream is found to be good by several members of the forum - not sure if that would help to soften the areas you mention, which may have an effect?

 

[silentsquirrel]

Combination of Flexitol (25%) and a foot file (emery board type not metal) is really effective on hard skin on sides of toes and under heels for me. File first, then apply cream fairly liberally, repeat until sorted.

 

[Flower]

A product I use along the lines of Flexitol is Gehwol salve for cracked skin. I've used it for a while now, it is good stuff and works well on established foot callous and hard skin. Use something regularly with a high urea content and it should start to be absorbed into the hard skin area and hopefully relieve some of the soreness and discomfort.

I know access to NHS podiatry services is limited due to Covid at present, it may be worth finding a private podiatrist if you're able for some treatment to help your toes start to improve.

 

[Pine Marten]

Combination of Flexitol (25%) and a foot file (emery board type not metal) is really effective on hard skin on sides of toes and under heels for me. File first, then apply cream fairly liberally, repeat until sorted.

This is what I did after the podiatrist recommended it. Flexitol is rather expensive though, but I managed to wangle it onto my prescription after buying it from Boots the first time 😉

Actually the podiatrist recommended a metal foot file with a handle, which I found to work ok (again from Boots).

 

[Flower]

Please be really careful using a foot file on feet that may have neuropathy. If you have diminished feeling in your feet and toes but aren't aware of the changes in sensation you can cause further problems.

 

[Pine Marten]

Please be really careful using a foot file on feet that may have neuropathy. If you have diminished feeling in your feet and toes but aren't aware of the changes in sensation you can cause further problems.

Thanks for this, Flower. I don't have any problems like that so didn't think of it... and of course the podiatrist was advising in my own case not anyone else's.

 

[KARNAK]

Good morning @Charliewatch sorry I haven`t responding earlier been AWOL for a while, you should be
having care from a Podiatrist but BGL`s are crucial in the care of your feet. If the HCP dealing with your
issue feels it warrants they can prescribe Flexitol or Zero Cream Emollient the latter is great if your feet are
very itchy but applying it between the toes isn`t recommended due to a risk of infection hence the need
for a HCP`s input for qualified advice.

This can be controlled but being a D needs more tender care at least twice a day but can eventually be cured
although you will have to stick with a self controlled footcare regime preferably forever, it becomes second
nature and shouldn`t take no more than 20 minutes a day for twice a day.

 

[Annette&Bert]

Can sore feet be reversed or eased,the way l feel is really low the thought of dealing with this terrible disease for the rest of my life really puts me down is there any thing positive l can do,thank you.

Charlie, I feel the same as you because the things that can go wrong terrifies me. You’re not alone.