4 Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Diabetes will cause a range of painful foot symptoms in individuals when not properly cared for. Common foot issues include diabetic neuropathy, ulcers, poor circulation, and more. The team at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute helps our patients properly address and treat any diabetic foot challenges they may be experiencing. Here are a few diabetic foot care tips to keep your feet strong and healthy:
1. Regularly Examine Your Feet
Inspecting your feet daily will help you to catch any potential issues before they escalate into larger problems. When examining your feet, check for signs like redness, swelling, cracks, blisters, or changes in nail color. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatrist so they can verify that your foot is healthy. They will also be able to craft a personalized treatment plan to address any infections or damage to your feet.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing daily foot hygiene will help in preventing any diabetic foot challenges. Proper hygiene involves keeping your feet clean and dry throughout the day. If your feet are dirty, wash them carefully with warm water and a gentle soap. Follow up with a moisturizer. Feet that are constantly wet or overly dry will cause you to develop blisters or cracked skin on your feet.
Keep your toenails trimmed at a proper length. Cutting your toenails too short may lead to an ingrown toenail or other infections. Diabetics may also be more susceptible to fungal infections or corns and calluses. Maintaining proper foot hygiene every single day will help to combat any diabetic foot issues. A podiatrist can also provide you with simple hygiene practices to prevent foot problems from developing.
3. Wear Proper Footwear
Make sure your footwear fits appropriately and is comfortable. If your shoes pinch in certain areas, you may be more likely to develop issues like ingrown toenails or blisters. Don’t wear open-toe shoes in situations where you may be likely to trip or cut yourself. Foot cuts and scrapes will easily lead to infections in diabetic patients. Look for shoes with quality arch support and wear moisture-wicking socks. Carefully choosing the right footwear will help support and protect your foot.
4. Schedule Regular Exams
As a diabetic, scheduling regular foot exams can be beneficial in mitigating large issues. Podiatrists are able to carefully examine your foot and catch any problems. Failing to identify sores and infections early before they become more severe may require amputation of toes or a foot. Podiatrists will help identify nerve damage, infections, and muscle weakness in your feet and ankles. These exams are also an opportunity for patients to learn more about proper foot care techniques.
Follow These Diabetic Foot Care Practices
Adhering to these diabetic foot care tips will help prevent infections, ulcers, and peripheral neuropathy. If you or someone you love is experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet, seek the help of a reputable podiatrist. The Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute team is experienced in treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.