At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we know how crucial it is for individuals with diabetes to take special care of their feet. Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage and poor circulation, which increase the risk of foot injuries, infections, and even amputations. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why diabetic foot care is essential, offer practical tips for keeping your feet healthy, and explain when it’s important to see a podiatrist.
Why Is Foot Care Important for People with Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation, which make the feet more vulnerable to injury and slower to heal. When these complications are present, even minor injuries like blisters, cuts, or scrapes can turn into serious infections or ulcers if not properly treated. People with diabetes may not feel pain or discomfort due to reduced sensation, leading to unnoticed injuries that worsen over time.
Diabetic foot ulcers and infections are serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or even amputation in severe cases. That’s why regular foot care and professional evaluations are vital for anyone living with diabetes.
Common Foot Problems for People with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you may be more likely to experience certain foot conditions, including:
- Diabetic Neuropathy: This condition leads to numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the feet. Without sensation, injuries like cuts or blisters can go unnoticed and untreated.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Diabetes can lead to poor blood flow, particularly in the legs and feet. Poor circulation means that injuries take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infections.
- Foot Ulcers: Open sores or ulcers are common in people with diabetes. They often develop from unnoticed injuries and can quickly become infected if not properly managed.
- Infections: Due to impaired circulation and immune response, infections can develop more easily and be harder to treat.
- Foot Deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and Charcot foot (a severe complication that causes weakening of the bones in the foot) are more common in diabetic patients and can lead to significant mobility issues.
Essential Foot Care Tips for People with Diabetes
To prevent complications, it’s important to integrate daily foot care into your routine. Here are some essential tips to help you protect your feet:
1. Inspect Your Feet Daily
Examine your feet every day for any signs of injury, redness, swelling, blisters, or cuts. Don’t forget to check between your toes, as these areas are prone to fungal infections. If you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
2. Wash Your Feet Daily
Keep your feet clean by washing them daily with mild soap and warm water. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
3. Moisturize to Prevent Dry Skin
Dry, cracked skin can allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of infection. Apply a moisturizer to your feet daily, but avoid putting lotion between your toes, as this can create a moist environment that encourages fungal growth.
4. Trim Your Toenails Carefully
Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails, which can lead to infections. If you have difficulty trimming your toenails or have poor vision, ask your podiatrist to help with nail care.
5. Wear Proper Footwear
Wearing well-fitting shoes with good support is crucial for protecting your feet. Avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can cause blisters or sores, and avoid walking barefoot, even indoors, to reduce the risk of injury.
- Orthotic inserts or diabetic shoes may be recommended to provide extra support and reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot.
6. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help prevent the nerve damage and circulation problems that contribute to diabetic foot complications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing your diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication.
7. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
People with diabetes are often more sensitive to extreme cold or heat. Avoid exposing your feet to hot water (such as in baths or hot tubs) or placing them on heating pads, as you may not feel burns or discomfort if you have nerve damage.
8. Quit Smoking
Smoking impairs circulation, particularly to the extremities like the feet. Quitting smoking can improve blood flow and reduce your risk of diabetic foot complications, including infections and ulcers.
When to See a Podiatrist
In addition to practicing daily foot care, it’s essential to schedule regular visits with a podiatrist for a professional evaluation. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diabetic foot care and offer comprehensive foot exams to help catch problems early. You should see a podiatrist if:
- You notice any cuts, sores, or blisters that don’t heal within a few days.
- You have redness, swelling, or pain in your feet.
- You develop any foot ulcers or signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or fever.
- You experience changes in foot shape, including deformities like bunions or hammertoes.
- You have persistent numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your feet.
- You find it difficult to manage foot hygiene or nail care due to neuropathy or vision problems.
How We Can Help
At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of services to help you maintain healthy feet, including:
- Comprehensive foot exams to check for signs of neuropathy, circulation problems, and skin issues.
- Wound care for diabetic ulcers and other injuries, using advanced techniques to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Custom orthotics and diabetic shoes designed to reduce pressure and prevent injuries.
- Treatment of fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
- Surgical intervention when necessary for severe complications like Charcot foot, ulcers, or infections that do not respond to conservative treatments.
Conclusion
Proper foot care is vital for people with diabetes, as even minor injuries can lead to serious complications. By following a daily foot care routine and seeking regular podiatric care, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetic foot problems. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we’re here to support you in maintaining healthy feet and preventing complications.