Diabetes can hit your feet pretty hard. When blood flow is reduced due to excess glucose in the bloodstream, the ability of your body to heal any damage in the feet may be impaired. Also, neuropathy or nerve damage can cause diminished sensation in the feet. The result? A small nick, scrape, bruise or puncture in the feet may not be felt and won’t heal properly, and can worsen into a dangerous ulcer.
It’s vitally important that those with diabetes do everything they can to keep their feet healthy. Here are our top 9 tips for diabetic foot care:
1. Manage your diabetes and minimize your risk of complications by following your doctor’s treatment plan.
2. Don’t be a stranger! Visit us at least twice a year for a complete foot exam.
3. Inspect your feet every day. Check the tops, bottoms, toes and between the toes. Note any changes and anything that looks out of the ordinary. Let us know if you find anything suspicious.
4. Keep your feet dry. When shoes become wet, or socks are sweaty, change them.
5. Keep your feet protected and don’t go barefoot. Avoid flimsy footwear like flip-flops that don’t have adequate support.
6. Wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes with lots of room in the toe box. We would be happy to help you find the best shoes for your feet.
7. Wear comfortable socks with loose tops for warmth and comfort. Look for seamless socks to minimize foot damage.
8. Keep moving with aerobic exercise, with your doctor’s permission. Exercise can improve your circulation, lower blood glucose and benefit your whole body.
9. Rest your feet by elevating them to help blood flow to the feet.
Please call us to schedule a foot exam. We want to be on your team for foot health!
We Can Help Protect Your Feet If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause severe foot problems. If you have diabetes or any foot problem like heel pain or plantar fasciitis, discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.
