Foot problems are one of the most common reasons why a diabetic may require hospitalization, so it’s important that you pay close attention to your feet if you are managing your diabetic condition. The reason your feet are susceptible to problems if you’re diabetic is because diabetes inhibits healthy blood flow and can cause nerve damage. Since your feet are so far from your heart, they are hit hardest by circulation issues, which means cuts and scrapes won’t heal as easily. Caring for your feet is imperative if you have diabetes. Below, we share some tips on how you can prevent problems with your diabetic feet, and we offer some additional resources for helping you identify and treat issues associated with your diabetic feet.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems
The best way to prevent diabetic foot problems is by being proactive about your care. Some ways to actively prevent against diabetic foot complications includes:
- Performing daily foot checks.
- Regularly scrubbing and cleaning your feet.
- Wearing comfortable and protective shoes.
- Clean and disinfect any cuts or sores on your feet.
- Do your best to keep your blood sugar levels in the proper range.
- Avoid walking barefoot outdoors.
- Use lotion on your feet to help keep them moisturized to prevent against dry skin and cracking.
- Trim your toenails straight across, and avoid rounding the corners, as this can make it easier for infections to develop.
- Always try to keep your feet warm.
- Avoid or give up smoking.
- Look into whether or not your insurance company will cover the cost of an orthotic insert, as it may be considered a preventive device.
When Diabetic Foot Problems Develop
If you notice as issue with your diabetic feet, whether that’s in the form of a sore that just won’t heal or decreased sensation and numbness, be sure to contact a foot specialist like Dr. Silverman. He will be able to walk you through all your treatment options and ensure that your condition doesn’t get any worse. It’s amazing how such a small injury can snowball into a large problem because someone ignored the warning signs, so be proactive about your diabetic foot care.
For more information about how to care for your diabetic feet, check out some of these other pages Dr. Silverman has penned on the subject.
What Is Diabetic Foot
Keeping Your Diabetic Feet Clean
Improving Circulation In Your Diabetic Feet
Footwear For Your Diabetic Feet
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
And if you want to talk to Dr. Silverman about your foot issue, reach out to his clinic at (952) 224-8500.
