Some Safety Guidelines to Keep Your Feet in Great Shape
Most of us have great memories of our younger and freer summers that include walks on the beach, running in the yard, and even chasing after the ice cream truck across hot pavement- all while barefoot. While you are in treatment, and truthfully, sometimes for years afterward, you will need to make a few adjustments to protect your feet. Summer is still a magical time; we simply need to be wise in caring for our feet.
Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect of some chemotherapy medications, as well as a byproduct of poorly controlled diabetes. Individuals with peripheral neuropathy may experience muscle weakness, impaired reflexes, and autonomic symptoms in both their hands and feet. Translation: you may experience pain, numbness, “pins and needles”, in your feet, as well as not be able to feel heat, cold, or sensations of pain. That means injury prevention must be a top priority for you all year long, but summer brings its own set of foot safety concerns.
Five Tips for Injury Prevention I Give as a Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
1. Daily Foot Care
The first healthy habit to prioritize is twice-daily skin inspection. In the morning, take a few moments and look, really look, at your feet. Check the tops and the bottoms of your feet and toes. Is the skin clean, dry, and intact? What about between your toes? Look for any areas that might be an entry way for infection. Is there a new bruise? Did you step on something and have a splinter? Finding any small injury or suspicious area early is vital in preventing infection or damage to your feet and toes. At night, before bed, is the perfect time for your second inspection. Vigilance in inspection is an easy first step to foot care.
The second habit is to wash and gently pat (not rub) your feet and between your toes dry. Once clean and dry, apply clean socks and wear shoes. Yes, shoes, all day. In the morning, put on slippers when you get out of bed, and wear well-fitting shoes that protect your feet when you leave the house. Remember, neuropathy puts you at risk for injuries you can’t feel! Wear shoes.
2. Shake, Rattle, and Roll!
Before you put your shoes on, turn them upside down, shake them, and gently roll them side to side. Gently check the inside of each shoe with your fingers to make sure nothing is inside. This small move protects you from anything inside the shoe causing friction, or even a puncture to your feet. Also, a vigorous shake while the shoe is upside down “encourages” any visitor (like a scorpion or spider) to vacate immediately!
3. New Shoes? Break Them in Gradually
For each pair of new shoes, plan to wear them for short periods that gradually lengthen to ease past that “New Shoe” phase. No matter how cute those shoes are, they are not worth a blister or other injury to your feet. So, if you have a wedding in 6 weeks? Plan on buying that cute pair of sandals at least 4 weeks in advance. Guys, did you buy a new pair of golf shoes? Wear them in the backyard. Whatever the occasion, whatever the shoe, plan to wear it at home for short intervals and gradually build up your wear time over 2-3 weeks.
4. Check the Temp!
Before stepping into a hot bath, a hot tub, or a Jacuzzi, or even walking from the pool to the lounge chair, check the temperature. Remember, your ability to feel hot or cold is compromised by neuropathy. You may need to use your inner wrist to get an accurate reading of the water temperature. For safety when walking on hot concrete or pavement, wear flip-flops or pool shoes to protect your feet from burns.
5. No Bathroom Surgery!
Don't overlook the benefits of prayer, meditation, or even journaling to help with fatigue. Build in a practice that supports your inner life; many patients report increased feelings of well-being, which, in turn, support their energy levels. Emotional/Spiritual practices are excellent tools in your toolbox as you battle fatigue.
Keep the fun in summer by protecting your feet. These five tips will help you begin thinking about foot safety. Talk with your physician about any other recommended strategies to help you stay footloose and fancy free this summer!
