Proper Foot Care for Diabetics

As anyone living with diabetes probably already knows, this condition can also affect other areas of the body from the ears and heart to even your feet. It’s actually fairly common for many people with diabetes to develop a foot problem at some point during their lifetime; however, your goal should be to prevent these issues from happening altogether by following our Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists Podiatrists helpful tips.

While problems can happen—and it is important that you turn to our Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists Podiatrists right away for care if they do—you can also follow these tips to reduce your risk of foot-related complications.

Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

First and foremost, it is important that you work with your team of doctors to ensure that you are getting the best medications and receiving the best treatment plan possible to ensure that your blood glucose is in the healthy range. This will go a long way and will help in preventing other health problems down the road.

Examine Your Feet Daily

How are you going to know when a problem is brewing if you never check your feet? If you thoroughly inspect your feet every day then you’ll be able to detect redness, swelling, cuts, ingrown toenails, and a plethora of other issues that may not initially seem like a big deal but could turn into a more serious problem if left untreated. If you are noticing any changes to your feet, it’s important that you give your podiatrist a call right away to see if you need to come into the office.

Wear the Right Shoes

Whether you are dealing with diabetic-related nerve damage or not, it’s important that you have the right shoes for your feet. Diabetic feet need a little extra support, cushioning and stability to prevent corns, calluses, bunions, injuries and other issues. Make sure that you are wearing supportive shoes that also give your toes room to move and wiggle around. Since some patients with diabetes also have some form of nerve damage, it’s also important that you wear shoes all day long, even indoors, to prevent injury.

Keep Feet Clean and Healthy

Diabetes or not, everyone should keep their feet clean by washing them every day. This means taking the time to truly wash every area of your feet with soap and water and then thoroughly drying them after getting out of the shower or tub. No matter if your feet are prone to dryness or not, it’s always a good idea to apply a moisturizer after bathing to prevent dry skin and cracking.

Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists offers two convenient locations in Turnersville and Pennsauken, NJ, to serve you better. If you have diabetes and are noticing any changes in your feet, it’s important that you seek treatment right away.