From Pushpanjali to Pandal Hopping: 10 Foot-Care Rules for People with Diabetes This Durga Puja
Durga Puja means long walks, crowded pandals, extended hours in queues, and shopping for new festive footwear. For people living with diabetes, prolonged walking, pressure on the feet, and even minor injuries can lead to complications if overlooked. A few simple precautions can help keep the festivities comfortable and safe.
1. Choose comfort over festive fashion
Opt for well-fitting, cushioned footwear with adequate toe room and a supportive sole. Avoid tight straps, hard seams, and narrow toe boxes that can cause friction or pressure.
2. Choose diabetic-friendly footwear for pandal hopping
Planning to buy new shoes for Durga Puja? Choose diabetic-friendly footwear that offers a comfortable fit, adequate cushioning, and reduced friction and pressure. Wear your new shoes for short periods before long outings and check for any signs of rubbing or irritation.
3. Plan your pandal route wisely
Avoid covering too many pandals in one stretch. Plan shorter routes, take regular breaks, and use transport between distant locations to reduce strain on your feet.
4. Check your feet before and after every outing
Look for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, or cracks on your soles, heels, and between your toes. Regular checks can help identify injuries early, especially if diabetes has reduced your foot sensitivity.
5. Don’t ignore swollen feet
Long hours of walking and standing can cause swelling. Take a break and elevate your feet if they feel uncomfortable. Seek medical advice for sudden, unexplained, or persistent swelling.
6. Inspect your footwear before wearing it
Check the inside of your shoes for pebbles, uneven insoles, torn linings, or foreign objects that could cause injury without you noticing.
7. Take breaks from standing in queues
Prolonged standing can increase pressure on your feet. Sit down whenever possible and gently move your feet and ankles to ease discomfort and reduce strain.
8. Stay consistent with diabetes care
Festive meals and late nights should not disrupt your routine. Take prescribed medication on schedule, stay hydrated, eat regularly, and monitor blood glucose as advised by your healthcare professional.
9. Watch for warning signs, not just pain
Diabetes-related nerve damage may reduce your ability to feel pain. Watch for redness, warmth, numbness, unusual swelling, or skin changes, even if there is no discomfort.
10. Address minor foot injuries early
Never dismiss a small blister, cut, or crack. Seek prompt medical advice for wounds, increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or signs of infection. Avoid popping blisters or treating wounds yourself.
“Durga Puja is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate, including people living with diabetes. However, hours of walking and standing in queues can put considerable strain on the feet, making foot care especially important. Choosing well-fitted, comfortable diabetic-friendly footwear, taking regular breaks, and checking for signs of injury can help reduce the risk of complications. If you’re buying new shoes for the festivities, prioritise proper fit, cushioning, and support. With the right footwear and a little extra care, people can enjoy the celebrations while keeping their foot health a priority,” said Anirudh Choudhary, Founder, Pediteq.
While Durga Puja preparations often focus on outfits and itineraries, foot care deserves a place on the checklist too. Choosing suitable footwear, checking your feet regularly, and maintaining your diabetes care routine can help make every step of the festivities safer and more comfortable.