Foot Care: your feet tell your story

Can lead to long-term damage

Foot swelling is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. The excess fluid is pulled down towards the feet by gravity. Putting your feet up may temporarily relieve symptoms but you need professional treatment to prevent long-term damage.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a foot doctor. They are also called a doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM. A podiatrist will have the letters DPM after their name.

Changes in feet

For  those on dialysis many notice a change in their stance and walking - almost as if they have tiny pebbles underfoot. Your foot care team will decide best course of treatment depending on the severity of any swelling or discomfort

Foot care & Foot wear

Regardless of age, stage of life or health, proper fitting footwear is essential for overall good health. Having your feet checked regularly is ideal and should be included in your yearly examinations. For those with diabetes or kidney diseases, having foot aliments can become a common occurrence.

Some symptoms can be swelling of the ankles, feet and toes to tingling-like sensations. Wobble-like walking is sometimes experienced by those that are on dialysis, too.

Proper fitting shoes with good arch support will aid in walking. A visit to the podiatrist will show how custom Orthotics could also help in mobility and with edema.

Compression socks and hosiery can help with leg edema

Compression socks and hosiery come in a variety of lengths and styles. Compression socks squeeze and help push fluid back up the legs. Consult with your doctor or medical team to confirm that these types of foot care and footwear are the correct treatments for you.

Kidney Disorders and Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are a severe symptom of kidney disorders. An ulcer is an open sore which exposes the foot to the risk of infection. The wound is often unable to heal on its own without medical intervention. In some cases surgery is the only treatment option for ulcers. 

Dialysis and Frequent Cramping

Muscle cramps occur when muscles do not receive the oxygen, electrolytes, and nutrients they need to function. Patients receiving dialysis treatment report more frequent cramps, especially in their feet and legs. Some cramps can be so debilitating they limit mobility.

Kidneys can benefit from the use of Epsom Salts in the bath or using them for a foot bath.

All Epsom salt contains the naturally occurring minerals of magnesium and sulfate.

NOTE: People should consult their doctors for serious or persisting conditions.  Diabetics should check with their physicians before soaking in Epsom salt.

One of the earliest discoveries of magnesium sulfate, the scientific name of Epsom salt, occurred back in Shakespeare’s day in Epsom, England, which explains the first half of the name.

  • Epsom salt is widely reported to soften skin, and it rinses away completely
  • Easing muscle and joint pain, either from overuse after exercise or from arthritis
  • Decreasing swelling and inflammation from trauma or fractures
  • Soothing dry skin, which often stems from a lack of magnesium
  • Reducing foot odour
  • Helping draw out infections from foot and ingrown nails of the toes

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