6 Foot Care Tips for Patients with Diabetes
Diabetes is an exploding problem worldwide, with many millions of people suffering from diabetic foot complications every year. November is American Diabetes Month and the perfect time to raise awareness of diabetes and the debilitating foot and ankle problems that can occur when the condition is not managed correctly. Before they worsen, preventing and catching injuries is essential to avoid serious infections and the possible amputation of a toe or entire foot.
Fortunately, with proper diet, medication, and these 6 tips, you can help to avoid major diabetic foot problems:
Perform daily foot inspections—Since peripheral nerve damage can make it difficult or impossible to feel pain, always check for any cuts, blisters, swelling, and redness. Look carefully between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet since a missed infection can quickly get out of control and lead to a foot ulcer.
Keep your feet clean and dry—Carefully wash and dry your feet at least once a day to keep fungi and bacteria under control to help prevent infections.
Cut your toenails properly or have them trimmed by your foot doctor—To avoid ingrown toenails, cut your toenails straight across (or a slight curve) and keep them a little longer than the tip of the toe. Better yet, have problematic toenails trimmed at your foot doctor’s office to minimize and prevent any complications.
Wear specially made diabetic shoes and orthotic inserts—Special designed diabetic shoes to keep your feet in good health by the added comfort and support. They will have a wide toe box and a deeper heel cup for better stability and room for orthotic inserts.
Avoid smoking—Smoking causes arterial constriction and blood flow to decrease, which makes wounds heal more slowly or not at all.
See your foot doctor regularly—Develop a comprehensive treatment plan in conjunction with your foot doctor for the ongoing care of your diabetic foot issues.
For proper treatment of your feet when you have diabetes, be sure to enlist the services of your podiatrist. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state of the art diagnostic and treatment options for all types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.