6 Foot Care Tips for Diabetic Patients
At NY Foot Health, we know that patients with diabetes work hard to control blood sugar levels and manage this disease, which can have devastating effects on your body. Conditions associated with diabetes, such as decreased immune system function, poor circulation, and neuropathy, can cause severe problems for your feet. Thankfully, there are several simple ways you can minimize the risk of complications. Below are six easy ways to head trouble off before it starts.
Schedule regular checkups with your podiatrist. The foot doctor will help monitor your feet and can make suggestions for pro-active care to help prevent podiatric problems associated with diabetes. Don’t have a podiatrist? Use our online directory to find a qualified foot doctor in your community.
Inspect your feet every day. As you wash your feet, check them over for cuts, bruises, rashes, swelling, and changes in the skin and toenails. Report anything suspicious to the podiatrist right away.
Avoid going barefoot. Walking without shoes, even in your own home, increases the risk for cuts, puncture wounds, and infections. In public places, it’s necessary to keep feet covered to avoid coming in contact with fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails.
Wear shoes that fit correctly. Get your feet professionally measured and buy shoes, specially made for diabetic patients if possible. You’ll want styles made of soft material that does not rub or cause friction anywhere on your feet.
Exercise regularly. It will improve circulation, reduce blood sugar levels, and help you maintain a healthy weight—important factors in managing diabetes.
Don’t play doctor. If you have a wart, corn, callus, or ingrown toenail, don’t try to cut it out or remove it on your own. Serious injury and infection may occur. Let the podiatrist handle it.
If you have diabetes and want more information on the care of your feet, contact us today.