Diabetic foot care is an important part of your self-care when you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. That’s because diabetes-related high blood sugar can have negative consequences for your feet, including increased susceptibility to infections and hard-to-heal sores.
Expert podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald provides professional diabetic foot care and personalized advice to new and existing patients from his practice in San Jose, California.
Dr. Greenwald works with you to manage your condition and prevent diabetes-related foot complications, reducing your risk of mobility impairment or amputation.
When you carefully manage this part of your health, you’re better able to maintain your mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Use these five strategies to care for your feet after receiving a diabetes diagnosis.
Since the foot risks connected with diabetes get worse when blood sugar is regularly out of control, managing your diabetes is the first step in protecting your feet.
Diabetes affects the way your body produces or uses insulin. Without enough effective insulin, your cells can’t take in the sugar circulating in your blood. As a result, sugar builds up in your bloodstream and causes your blood sugar levels to rise too high.
High blood sugar affects your whole body, but your feet are especially at risk. Over time, high blood sugar reduces circulation in your extremities, making it difficult for your body to heal injuries. Your nerves may also be negatively affected, reducing your ability to feel pain and notice foot injuries.
Seek treatment for your diabetes and stay up-to-date on your management routines. You may be able to take insulin medication or other medications to address insulin resistance. You might also need to make changes in your lifestyle to keep your blood sugar within a safe range.
People living with diabetes need to take extra time to check their feet daily, looking for any signs of injuries or problems. Look for cuts, scratches, scrapes, redness, swelling, blisters, or callused areas that show where your feet experience friction.
If you find breaks in your skin, treat the injuries with care to prevent infection. Blisters and calluses indicate a need for changes in your footwear.
Head off infection by paying extra attention to your foot hygiene. At least once every day, thoroughly wash your feet with soap and warm water.
Clean the tops and bottoms of your feet, and even scrub in between your toes. When you’re done, dry your feet with a clean towel before putting on clean socks.
When your feet are highly vulnerable, it’s better not to leave them exposed. Going barefoot increases your risk of cuts, scratches, scrapes, and infection. Wearing clean socks and well-fitting shoes, even indoors, keeps your feet safe.
That said, you also need to make sure your shoes aren’t creating potential problems for your feet. The wrong fit can result in blisters or calluses.
You also need enough space in the toe box to prevent ingrown toenails. Talk to Dr. Greenwald about the best footwear options for you.
Pairing consistent at-home care habits and check-ups with a podiatry professional covers all your bases when it comes to diabetic foot care. Dr. Greenwald tracks your condition and advises you on any needed changes to your treatment or habits.
Don’t risk losing your feet to diabetes or developing potentially permanent nerve damage due to out-of-control blood sugar. Contact Dr. Greenwald online or over the phone today to schedule your initial consultation appointment.
