Foot Care 101 for People with Diabetes
Approximately half of the 28 million Americans with diabetes will suffer from neuropathy. This medical condition is characterized by the loss of sensation in the extremities including the feet. Although neuropathy does not cause wounds or blisters, it places you at greater risk for wound infections.
Diabetes and your Feet
Diabetes can result to progressive loss of sensation in the feet. We become unaware of cuts and wounds because our brains do not receive any pain feedback. This places our health at great risk especially when the wound is not visible or located at the sole of our feet. Through time this wound becomes infected leading to more serious medical conditions.
People diagnosed with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their blood. This impedes with normal blood circulation and makes it difficult to pass through small blood vessels. It affects the normal flow of blood to the feet depriving it from nutrients and infection- fighting antibodies.
Consult a podiatrist for wound that don’t heal properly. This can be an indication of diabetes.
Taking care of your feet
Wash your feet regularly - A simple task that is often ignored. Washing your feet regularly prevents the onset of infection and gives you the opportunity to inspect your feet for wounds or cuts. Special attention should be given for areas between the toes where dirt can be deposited.
Wear shoes and socks - Protect your feet from coming into direct contact with the ground. Wearing beach sandals for example is a simple way of avoiding small sharp rocks at the beach. Even your home’s surface is dangerous, you never know if a small rock or a sharp edged object might be lying wait on the floor.
Moisturize to soften the skin - Lotions and moisturizers prevents dry skin. This prevents the development of blisters due to constant rubbing with your socks or shoes.
Avoid extreme hot and cold surfaces - Temperature sensors in the feet warn us of hot or cold surfaces. This prevents us from getting burned or damaging our skin. Wearing shoes at all times keeps our feet insulated from extreme hot or cold surfaces.
Make it a habit to regularly trim your nails - Check your toenails after washing and drying your feet. Cut them regularly and remember to do this gently to avoid cutting into the skin.
Inspect your feet regularly - Check for wounds or blisters that might have developed over the day. This can be done after reaching home and removing your shoes. Help should be sought if you are unable to inspect all feet areas.
Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.