6 Tips for the Diabetic Foot
Diabetes may be associated with your diet and blood sugar but the problem with diabetes is that it can cause problems to many different other aspects of your body. One of the common problem areas is the feet. The blood vessel and nerve damage that people with diabetes suffers from can lead to a variety of serious issues, such as neuropathy. This means that it is incredibly important for diabetics to take better care of their feet and to avoid such negative consequences that can occur. These are 6 tips that can help people with diabetes take better care of their feet.
- Check Your Feet Daily
One of the most important things that you can do is to inspect your feet on a daily basis. Since 70% of diabetics have nerve damage to their feet, it can be very difficult for them to notice problems early without closely inspected their feet. You should pay close attention to any sores, cracked skin, and changes in color. You can put a mirror on the floor to help you get a better look at your feet. If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, call your podiatrist immediately.
- Regular Checkups
It can be very important for you to check regular checkups with a foot doctor to make sure your feet are healthy. Since you may not notice the subtle signs of nerve damage, a doctor can be very helpful to you here. They will check for any loss of sensation and any noticeable problems like sores. Make sure that you tell your doctor if you notice a loss of balance or sensation and discuss any other concerns that you may have.
- Keep Diabetes in Check
This goes without saying, but you need to closely monitor your diabetes. As this condition worsens, you may be more susceptible to more serious conditions and even amputation. Check your blood sugar regularly and stick to your diet. These are things that are going to be better for your overall health and not just your feet.
- Proper Footwear
It is especially important as a diabetic to make sure that you are wearing the proper footwear. You should look for shoes that fit well and have better air circulation. It is also recommended that you look for shoes with a deep toe area for additional comfort.
- Keep Your Feet Protected
Diabetics really need to make sure that they are always wearing shoes, even if you are indoors especially if you have neuropathy. This is because if you get cuts, splinters, or any other injury, you may not notice it until the wound becomes infected. Wear shoes or slippers with hard soles at all times to avoid this problem.
- Treat Problems Right Away
If you have any problem that could potentially lead to infections, like corns or bunions, you need to get them treated right away. Otherwise, you are going to run an increased risk of infection. They may seem harmless at first but they can get worse very quickly.