{"id":5201,"date":"2021-10-06T13:51:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T17:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foxpodiatry.com\/?p=5201"},"modified":"2021-10-06T13:51:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T17:51:39","slug":"top-tips-for-diabetic-foot-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foxpodiatry.com\/top-tips-for-diabetic-foot-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for Diabetic Foot Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Diabetes is a disease that impacts millions of people in the United States. It’s estimated that over 20 million individuals have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This number represents a significant portion of the population, which means many people are at risk for issues if foot care is not a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing Diabetes is complex, and managing when Diabetes affects your feet and legs can be even more difficult. Calluses, corns, bunions, blisters, and ulcers are all common in patients with Diabetes. In addition, high blood sugar levels can make these minor injuries and alterations much worse. Blood glucose levels that are too high can also lead to potentially disabling infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can take several steps listed below to help keep your feet in good shape, including wearing diabetic-friendly footwear, having regular foot exams with a local podiatrist, and doing daily foot inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you have Diabetes, looking for new shoes can be a little more complicated. Comfort and safety are your main priority when shoe shopping. Wear shoes that are comfortable and protect your feet from getting hurt or infected. Try not to wear high heels, open-toed shoes, flip-flops, or sandals, as they can cause injuries and infections. It would be best to look for shoes with deep toe boxes, good coverage of both the top and bottom, and without seams inside the shoe that will rub on your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, change your socks every day. Wear natural materials such as cotton, wool, or a cotton-wool blend. Likewise, it’s important to find socks without seams, and the best ones are made from cotton and are padded. Finding socks with moisture control is also a great idea to properly care for your feet as a person with Diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic neuropathy can allow injuries to your feet that you don’t feel. This means it’s important to check your feet every day to look for signs of injury. These tips will make your inspection a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you observe anything out of the ordinary or any foot issues listed above, contact Fox Podiatry to chat with our experienced team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It seems like a “no-brainer,” but walking barefoot increases the chances of a foot injury. Those with diabetic neuropathy may have poor feeling in their feet, so you might step on something dangerous without knowing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also wear comfortable footwear at home, like a nice pair of house slippers or slide to provide your feet with proper protection. Walking around your home without footwear puts your feet at risk for minor cuts, penetration, or scrapes by wooden splinters, shards of glass, a misplaced sewing needle, or thumbtack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before putting shoes on, check inside the shoe to ensure there is nothing sharp impaled in the sole or inside the shoe that could injure your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might not shower every day, but your feet should always be clean. Dirty feet are more likely to contract an infection, so cleanliness is key. Try to wash and dry your feet thoroughly after a long day. As a Diabetic, drying your feet completely is imperative because your skin can stay moist and break down–possibly leading to an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After drying off your feet, be sure to apply a proper moisturizer to the tops and bottom of your feet to prevent dry and cracked feet. Be sure to leave the area between the toes lotion-free. Why? Lotion can increase your chances of fungal growth<\/a> between your toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tip also goes for sweaty socks and shoes after a workout. Remove them right away to deter infection!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foot care is essential–if you have Diabetes, don’t wait to treat your feet if you notice an issue. Even seemingly harmless calluses may become problems if you ignore them. Your care team should include an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Fox and his team in Silver Spring, MD.<\/a> Self-treating foot issues by heading to the local pharmacy for an over-the-counter product can be more harmful than beneficial. Those products are the shelf can be irritating and can even increase your risk of infection during the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report any foot problems or changes to your podiatrist and follow their advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. See a Podiatrist Regularly for Foot Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fox Podiatry is Here For Your Diabetic Foot Care Needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n