Before I left for college, my dad turned to me and said, “Always remember, you can learn something from anybody.”\u00a0 He didn’t want me going off and getting a degree with an attitude that no one else can help teach me a lesson, especially if they are not formally educated.\u00a0 Dad knew that knowledge is what’s in our head, but wisdom is what’s in our hands and feet.\u00a0 Life experiences and hard work can be great teachers.<\/p>\n
As a young boy, my dad worked to help support the family.\u00a0 He quit school at an early age and choose to do various types of jobs, each one equipping him with a new skill.\u00a0 Then came a lifetime of sailing around the world as a merchant marine, where he gained a wealth of experience that taught him that there is always something new to learn in life.\u00a0 Those who knew him can tell you that he was always ready to “teach you a lesson” whether you wanted to hear it or not.\u00a0 Dad would be proud to know that the following lessons from his diabetic foot care will go on to help others live a lifetime on their feet.<\/p>\n
WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES<\/strong><\/p>\n Dad was always proud of his fine leather shoes.\u00a0 He would polish and buff those things with military precision.\u00a0 The problem with the shoes was that they were too pointy for his feet.\u00a0 Because feet get larger and wider as they age, his little toe started to push upward and was developing a hammertoe deformity.\u00a0 By that time, I became a podiatrist and had the honor of fitting him with his very first pair of diabetic shoes.\u00a0 Therapeutic shoes for diabetes are called “extra-depth” shoes because they provide more room around the toes.\u00a0 This prevents shoe pressure on the toes which can cause an ulcer (open sore) that can get infected and lead to an amputation.\u00a0 After wearing his diabetic shoes for some time, he noticed his toes felt and look much better.\u00a0 He told me, “You see this, my little toe used to look like a popcorn.”\u00a0 That still makes me laugh.<\/p>\n ALWAYS WEAR SOCKS<\/strong><\/p>\n Let me tell you.\u00a0 My dad had some pretty feet.\u00a0 Why? He always wore socks, even with his house slippers around the house.\u00a0 When we did get a chance to see his feet bare, my mom and I would look at them with amazement.\u00a0 You would think they would be in rough shape from years of being on his feet.\u00a0 But, he guarded his soles with quality socks.\u00a0 It is very important to wear the right socks that keep your feet dry and reduce the chance of blistering.\u00a0 For diabetic feet with neuropathy (loss of feeling), wearing white socks can also be helpful in detecting blood or drainage from a sore.<\/p>\n LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTORS<\/strong><\/p>\n Going to see his doctors was a top priority for dad.\u00a0 Often times, he would show up an hour early (I’m not exaggerating).\u00a0 It wasn’t until I was in my own practice that I could really explain WHY it is better to keep your exact appoint time.\u00a0 There is an order and method in healthcare that patients sometimes don’t understand.\u00a0 There are many factors that go into diagnosing and treating a medical condition.\u00a0 It is important to be an informed patient who is part of a team approach toward better health.\u00a0 Medicine is also a practice in relationship.\u00a0 Without good communication and commitment, healing is a challenge.<\/p>\n TAKE CARE OF YOUR DIABETES<\/strong><\/p>\n My dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during middle age.\u00a0 I still remember us sitting at the kitchen table learning how to use his new glucometer.\u00a0 For the most part, he was able to keep his blood sugar well controlled.\u00a0 Because of this, he was able to avoid a serious diabetes amputation risk which is loss of feeling in the feet (neuropathy).\u00a0 Studies show that tight control of blood glucose (sugar) levels delays the start and slows the progression of neuropathy.<\/p>\n STAY ACTIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n One thing that put my dad’s feet and legs at risk was his years of smoking.\u00a0 Even though he eventually quit cold turkey, after I argued that I would start if he didn’t stop, the damage to his arteries had been done.\u00a0 Quitting smoking did help prevent the nerves in his feet from losing feeling.\u00a0 But, the blood vessels became hardened and he developed blockages in his legs.\u00a0 The best thing a person can do in this situation is to stay active by walking and exercising the feet and legs.\u00a0 By doing so, you can help the body’s circulation and even develop new blood vessels that can deliver blood around a blockage.\u00a0 My dad was always on his feet doing work around the house and for the community.<\/p>\n The challenge with diabetes\u00a0 is\u00a0 that it affects so many systems in the body.\u00a0 One small event can quickly develop into a serious situation.\u00a0 For my dad, it was a minor car accident that caused him to brake hard with his right leg.\u00a0 He went from a swollen leg to a loss of life in a matter of months.\u00a0 There are some things in life that happen without our control.\u00a0 But there are many things that are under our control that we can do to live a healthier life.<\/p>\n Yes, my dad really did love to make sure his words were heard.\u00a0 So, make sure you understand and follow the foot care advice I just shared.\u00a0 He would be happy to know he can still “teach people a lesson”…using his feet.<\/p>\n