Diabetic Foot Care

Unfortunately, there are numerous foot problems associated with having diabetes. One very common problem is that diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to a tingling or painful sensation and it may also cause you to lose feeling in your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can be incredibly dangerous. Little problems can become much bigger problems if you can no longer sense a blister or cut on your foot. This can lead to sores or infections.

How We Help

There are many ways to maintain healthy foot care when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you’re managing your blood sugar levels. You also want to check your feet daily. It’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions. Checking your feet daily lets you stay ahead of the problem and prevent you from further harm. Along with foot checks, you should also wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water. It may also be useful in certain cases to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Please be advised to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they may not dry properly. If you want to manage your own nail and callus care rather than having a professional do it, ensure you are cutting your toenails straight across. Refrain from digging into the sides of the toes. This will help prevent the development of an ingrown toenail. If you happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself; seek the help of a professional. It may be beneficial to look into socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide yourself with extra cushion. Refrain from walking barefoot. Avoid smoking as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.

Treatment

If you notice a cut, blister, or bruise is not healing after a few days, it’s important to seek the help of a professional. Other warning signs include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood inside of it, or an infection that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.

If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, seek the assistance of a podiatrist who can provide you with the tips needed for healthy foot care.