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DIABETIC FOOT CARE

DIABETIC FOOT CARE

Diabetic Foot Care: Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet

If you experience foot and ankle problems related to diabetes or want to prevent more serious conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team at Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic is here to provide expert care and guidance. Contact one of our five local podiatry offices in Charlotte, Concord, and Harrisburg today to schedule an appointment and ensure your feet stay healthy and protected.

What Is Diabetic Foot Care?

For individuals with diabetes, maintaining proper foot care is crucial. High blood sugar levels can impair blood flow and hinder the healing process, making it challenging to recover from injuries and infections. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage, leading to pain or numbness in the feet. This loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed abrasions or blisters, which can develop into serious wounds or infections if not properly managed. Unchecked foot problems in diabetes can ultimately lead to severe complications, including the risk of amputation.

Daily Foot Care Guidelines

To prevent these serious outcomes, it is important to follow specific diabetic foot care guidelines to protect your feet and maintain overall foot health.

Inspect Your Feet Daily

Examine your feet every day for any signs of cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to check the bottoms of your feet thoroughly. If you notice any abnormalities, contact our office to schedule an appointment promptly.

Wash Your Feet Daily

Clean your feet daily with lukewarm water—never hot water. Use a soft sponge or washcloth and be gentle. After washing, pat your feet dry and ensure you dry between your toes carefully to prevent moisture buildup.

Moisturize Regularly

Apply a moisturizing lotion to your feet every day to prevent dryness, itching, and cracking. Avoid applying lotion between your toes to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Wear Clean, Dry Socks

Change into a clean pair of dry socks each day. Opt for socks without tight elastic to avoid restricting circulation. Avoid thick or bulky socks that might cause skin irritation.

Keep Your Feet Warm

If your feet get cold at night, wear socks to bed. Avoid using heating pads, as they can cause burns or injuries if you have reduced sensation.

Check Your Shoes Before Wearing

Always inspect the inside of your shoes before putting them on. Small objects like pebbles can cause irritation or injury to your feet if unnoticed.

Choose Proper Footwear

Wear appropriate shoes for the weather to keep your feet warm and dry. Choose rain boots or winter boots during wet or cold seasons.

Avoid Walking Barefoot

Never walk barefoot, even indoors. Use slippers or shoes to protect your feet from cuts, scratches, or other injuries.

Trim Your Toenails Correctly

Keep your toenails trimmed straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can lead to problems.

Seek Professional Help for Corns and Calluses

Do not use medicated corn pads or attempt to trim corns or calluses at home. Instead, visit your podiatrist for safe and effective treatment.

Control Your Diabetes

Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to manage your diabetes effectively. Proper control can help prevent foot complications.

Avoid Smoking

Refrain from smoking, as it restricts blood flow to your feet and exacerbates foot health issues.

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