Managing diabetes means paying close attention to more than your blood sugar. Because it affects your circulation and your nerves, diabetes can cause widespread health issues — and your feet are especially vulnerable.
Reduced circulation and nerve changes in your feet can make even small concerns turn into serious problems quickly. With diabetes, you’re far more prone to serious foot infections (diabetic foot ulcers) that, in turn, raise your risk for limb amputation. The good news: A few daily habits can go a long way toward keeping your feet healthy, comfortable, and free of complications.
As a leading provider of diabetic foot care, Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC, offers patient-centered, custom treatment plans for every patient living with diabetes. Here, our team offers a list of five simple steps you can take to improve your foot health and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications.
Even tiny cuts, blisters, or dry patches can lead to serious foot infections when you are living with diabetes. Checking your feet each day helps you catch these problems early, before they develop into more severe problems.
When inspecting your feet, look for redness, swelling, cracks, or any areas that feel or look unusual. Problems seeing the bottoms or sides of your feet? Use a small, lighted hand mirror or even your phone to make a video of your feet. If you do spot something unusual, give us a call right away so we can provide appropriate treatment.
A daily foot bath doesn’t just feel good — it keeps your skin clean and healthy, too. Use warm water (not hot) and a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation (and it’s a great time to perform that daily inspection). Afterward, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes where moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Next, apply a good moisturizer to your feet, paying special attention to the soles and heels. Moisturizer helps prevent cracks and calluses that can, in turn, lead to infections. Don’t moisturize between your toes, though — too much lubrication here can lead to friction and sores.
One of the best ways to avoid foot injuries is to make sure you wear the right shoes. Look for footwear that offers lots of support, extra cushioning, and plenty of room in the toe area to avoid pressure points that can lead to blisters, cuts, and corns.
If you have feet that are hard-to-fit with regular footwear, custom orthotics can definitely help. These special shoe inserts are designed for your unique foot shape, gait pattern, and other factors to keep feet supported, comfortable, and injury-free.
Proper nail care helps prevent ingrown nails, sores, and infections. When trimming your nails, don’t trim on a curve. Instead, trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting the corners too short. If your nails are thick, curved, or hard to manage, schedule a visit so we can trim them properly.
Never attempt to remove corns or calluses on your own, either, and skip drugstore medicated pads — they can irritate and damage healthy skin, increasing your risk of complications.
Regular visits with our team is one of the most important steps you can take toward keeping your feet healthy and reducing your risk of infections and other complications (including surgery or potential amputation).
During your visit, we examine your skin for any injuries — even tiny ones you can’t see or feel. We also check for changes in circulation and nerve damage that can happen with diabetes. When needed, we can trim your nails and treat corns or calluses that could be compromising your skin health. And of course, we provide you with plenty of guidance to help you care for your feet at home, too.
Diabetic foot care isn’t complicated, but sticking to a routine is essential. If you have questions or concerns about diabetes complications or if you need help developing a personalized care routine, we can help. To get started, request an appointment at our locations in Mesquite, Forney, and Kaufman, Texas, today.
