What Every Diabetic Should Know About Foot Care

If you have diabetes, it’s important to learn to track and manage your blood sugar levels in order to stay healthy. However, there are a number of other things you need to do in order to manage your condition, including keeping a close eye on the health of your feet. 

Diabetes can cause damage to your nerves, which can cause you to lose sensation in your feet. It’s important to learn how to best care for your feet to ensure you don’t develop bad infections

Leonard Greenwald, DPM, is a highly skilled podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon who is experienced in diabetic foot care. At his medical office in San Jose, California, Dr. Greenwald checks your feet for issues that need attention, and shows you what you need to do to keep your feet healthy. 

What every diabetic should know about foot care

Diabetes affects your blood sugar levels, but also affects a number of other systems in your body, including your nervous system. It can cause damage to your nerves, a condition known as neuropathy. 

Neuropathy is most likely to affect your extremities, including your feet. As a result of neuropathy, you may experience tingling or loss of pain sensation in your feet. 

As a result of having decreased sensation in your feet, you might not be aware if you have damage to your feet, which can quickly worsen. There are some simple things you can do to take good care of your feet and ensure they stay healthy.

Check your feet daily

Get in the habit of looking at your feet every day, including the bottoms of your feet. If you can’t see them, ask someone for help or use a mirror. Look for any swelling, redness, cuts, blisters, or sores. These things need to be treated quickly to prevent them from getting worse, so it’s important to notice them as soon as possible.

Keep your feet clean

Gently wash your feet every day with warm water and soap, but don’t soak them in water. Dry them completely, and apply lotion to your feet to ensure you won’t get cracks in your skin. Avoid getting lotion between your toes where it could trap moisture and cause infection. 

Wear shoes

It’s important to keep your feet covered at all times, even when indoors, to prevent causing any injuries to your feet. Get shoes that are supportive and fit your feet well, and always wear cushioning socks. When breaking in new shoes, do so gradually to avoid developing blisters. 

Keep your toenails trimmed

Keep your toenails trimmed, being very careful to not nick your skin when cutting them. Use a nail file to smooth any nail edges. If you have trouble reaching your feet, Dr. Greenwald can trim your toenails when you come in for a visit.

Get regular checkups

Having regular checkups, at least annually, allows Dr. Greenwald to examine your feet and provide you with any treatment you might need. He also checks for loss of sensation in your feet along with proper blood flow. 

Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects many systems in your body, including your nervous system. It can cause damage to your nerves, resulting in decreased sensation in your feet. It’s important to take special care of your feet to ensure that you don’t have any cuts, blisters, or sores that may worsen and cause more serious issues.

To set up an appointment with Dr. Greenwald for diabetic foot care, call our office, text us, or use our online booking system today.