Competent Care Home Health Helps Orange County Patients Maintain Proper Diabetic Foot Care

When it comes to diabetic foot care for Orange County CA patients, home health nursing professionals at Competent Care Home Health have been helping keep patients safe for decades. By helping patients care for their feet, our skilled nurses maintain quality of life and reduce the risk of debilitating complications. For in-home nursing in Orange County, Competent Care Home Health is the choice for assistance with diabetes, diabetic foot care and other ailments.

Why Foot Care Matters

Diabetes can cause circulation problems and nerve damage. These side effects can lead to infections and a loss of blood supply to the extremities. To reduce the impact of diabetes, it’s important to keep feet healthy by completing daily inspections and by maintaining proper diabetic foot care.

Diabetic foot care requires a number of basic care steps, including:

  • Daily Inspections
    All areas of the feet should be checked, including the soles, heels, tops and in between the toes for blisters, bruises, calluses, cuts, increased warmth, redness, sores and tenderness.
  • Daily Washes
    Warm (not hot) and mild soaps should be used to thoroughly wash feet every day. Patients should test the water with fingers or elbow, as diabetes can sometimes make it difficult to gauge water temperature with the feet.
  • Dry Your Feet
    Moist areas can breed infection. Feet should be dried well by patting the feet, not rubbing. The area between the toes should be particularly emphasized.
  • Moisturize
    For rough and dry skin, use a lotion or oil, but not between the toes.
  • Trim The Nails

Toenails should be trimmed regularly straight across. Rough edges should be filed. It’s best to cut toenails right after bathing when they are soft. Cuticles should not be cut and care should be taken not to cut into the corners of toes. Ingrown toenails should be addressed by a podiatrist.

  • Wear Socks and Shoes
    Feet should be covered by socks and shoes. Feet and toes should be well insulated against cold and wet moisture. Avoid shoes with high heels, pointed toes or that expose your heels or toes. Socks should be changed daily and be made with natural fibers such as cotton, wool or a cotton-wool blend. Socks should be loose.
  • Avoid Temperature Extremes
    When walking on the beach or hot pavement, shoes should be worn. Do not use electric blankets, heating pads or hot water bottles.
  • Keep Circulation Flowing
    When you’re seated, put your feet up. Be sure to wiggle your toes, move ankles up and down and avoid crossing your legs.

Competent Care Services

When it comes to in-home nursing in Orange County, Competent Care Home Health helps patients and their families with a range of important services. In addition to diabetic care and diabetic foot care, we provide a host of other home health nursing services, including wound care, post-operative surgical care, physical therapy, respite care and palliative care. We have worked extensively with Orange County clients to help patients with developmental disabilities, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. We work closely with the patient’s medical team to observe, recommend and advise on progress, symptoms and side effects. If you are looking for an in home nurse to assist you with diabetic foot care or other nursing care, contact Competent Home Health Care.