Diabetic Foot Care
According to the American Diabetes Association, 9.3% of Americans have diabetes, a disease affecting the way the human body processes glucose. Over an extended period of time, high glucose levels can damage the nervous system, reducing sensation in the feet.
Due to the suppression of the immune response and reduced blood flow to the feet in diabetics, the body may be unable to heal wounds you suffer to your feet. As sensation has already been reduced, if you aren’t checking your feet regularly, you may not realize your feet are injured until it’s too late. If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation to ensure that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body.
Living with diabetes? Dr. Stephan Silva of Boca Raton, FL, offers essential and effective diabetic foot care to help.
Guide to Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, there are many things you need to keep an eye on and take care of. And though we hate to add another thing to your list, foot care is absolutely critical. This is because diabetes can impact the nerves, causing you not to feel cuts, blisters, or other issues on your feet. If you don’t know they are there, you won’t address those wounds. Sadly, this can lead to infections and – eventually – amputations.
The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. Just a few diabetic foot care steps can prevent it, and Dr. Silva of Boca Raton, FL, shares these tips below.
1. Keep Your Feet Clean
It’s important to wash your feet with warm – not hot – water and soap every day. Moisturize the whole foot – except between the toes – to prevent cracks. Be sure to pat them dry well before putting them in shoes.
2. Do a Daily Check
While you are cleaning, drying, and moisturizing your feet, do a quick inspection. Make sure there are no cuts, blisters, or other issues. If there are, take care of them as soon as possible.
3. Trim Your Toenails Properly
Keep your toenails trimmed but do it the right way. Trim them straight across – no rounding the corners – and leave a little white on the end. If you can’t cut them yourself, let your doctor or podiatrist help.
4. Be Careful With Your Footwear Choices
It’s important to wear shoes any time you are walking around to help protect your feet. However, you need to pick the right ones. They should fit but leave your feet space, especially at the toes. Flip-flops and open-toed shoes are not a wise idea, as they leave your toes vulnerable to injury.
5. Manage Your Diabetes
Managing your condition is important for your feet as well as the rest of your body. Take any prescribed medications, eat well, and follow other advice from your medical doctor. Also, be sure to exercise as this doesn’t just have a positive impact on diabetes but also improves circulation to the feet.
6. Visit Your Podiatrist
It’s also important to visit your podiatrist regularly, which normally means once a year. However, you might need additional appointments if your podiatrist has any concerns.
Schedule your diabetic foot care appointment with Dr. Silva in Boca Raton, FL, by calling (561) 241-9447 today.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you ensure foot health by working with your podiatrist to reduce the likelihood of infection and quickly treat any infection that arises. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your feet for a lifetime.