Foot Health for Diabetics
One major concern for diabetic is proper foot care. A compromised immune system and poor blood circulation could turn wounds and blisters into serious life-threatening conditions. If left untreated, this could spread to other areas making amputation the only option for treatment. Managing your blood sugar levels and monitoring your blood pressure is just part of the diabetic health regimen.
Quick tips
Stop smoking
Make regular visits to your doctor
Stay within your recommended weight range
Start eating more fruits and vegetable
Diabetes poses serious threats to your health and feet in particular. If you're diabetic, you are like to have poor circulation to your feet and are unable to receive the recommended amounts of oxygen and nutrients making them weak and susceptible to infection. Nerve damage could also result. This makes it harder for diabetics to immediately notice wounds.
Diabetics are susceptible to nerve damage if:
They are 40 years old and older
Have above normal blood sugar levels
Are over-weight
They have cholesterol levels that are exceptionally high
Suffering from high blood pressure
If you are a diabetic and suffer from the symptoms shown above, consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive foot exam. Dr. Name is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with diabetes take care of their feet.
Signs of possible nerve damage in the feet
Diabetes may cause peripheral nerve damage leading to decreased sensation in the feet. It can affect how early we could identify wounds and other injuries.
If you feel a burning or tingling sensation in the feet
You notice a change in skin color or toes become disfigured
This condition is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Proper foot care
Diabetics may experience difficulty in identifying wounds or blister development in the feet. Lack of sensation and long response times to injury gives infection more time to set in.
Regularly inspect your feet visually. This could be done after a bath or when removing your shoes when you reach home. Use a mirror for hard to see areas such as the soles of your feet. You could also ask for help when you are having difficulties inspecting it visually.
Keep your feet clean and free from inspection by washing your feet regularly. Sweat and dirt could collect in between toenails, ideal breeding grounds for infection. Remember to use a towel and gently wipe off water to avoid blisters.
Walking and running produces friction between the shoes and skin. Wearing properly fitting shoes reduces the amount of friction generated from these activities. Wear shoes or slippers to constantly protect your foot from rough surfaces and sharp edges.
A visit to a podiatrist could give you helpful tips on proper foot care.
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.