As November ushers in Diabetes Awareness Month, our team at Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle wants to highlight how integral and essential podiatry care and managing diabetes really are.
Living with diabetes can bring unique challenges, particularly when it comes to your feet, but with the right care, education, and support, these challenges can be effectively managed. Read on to learn more about how foot and ankle experts can help you prevent any problems.
Why Diabetic Foot Health Matters
Diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, can impact your body in many ways. Yet when it comes to podiatry, two of those most important factors are circulatory concerns and nerve damage.
- Diabetes is strongly connected to poor circulation and conditions like PAD. This means those affected are at increased risk for DFUs, or diabetic foot ulcers.
- In terms of nerve damage, those with diabetes must confront a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, which can reduce sensation in your feet. This makes it harder to feel and detect cuts, blisters, or sores.
- High blood sugar levels can also slow the healing process, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
The good news? With the right daily care habits, preventative measures, and consistent podiatric attention, all these risks can be minimized.
Podiatrists Are a Key Part of Your Diabetes Care Team
It is important to include a podiatrist as a member of your diabetes care team. In fact, the data backs it up:
- In a meta-analysis of 26 studies, podiatrists were found to reduce the risk of lower extremity amputations by 31% overall and 55% when accounting for only major amputations.
- A separate study found that patients who consulted with podiatrists in the year before developing a DFU had lower rates of both hospitalization AND amputation.
Clearly, routine podiatric care can produce exceptional outcomes.
At our practice, the goal is to detect any issues early and treat them before they turn into more significant problems. During your regular visits, we’ll:
- Assess your circulation and nerve function to ensure that your feet are getting adequate blood flow and to detect any signs of neuropathy.
- Conduct routine foot exams to check for abnormalities, injuries, or signs of infection.
- Create a personalized care plan, which may include recommending orthotics, proper footwear, or specific treatments for any existing foot problems.
6 Steps Toward Better Foot Care
If you’re struggling with diabetes, the steps below will help you stay ahead of issues. Be sure to:
1. Inspect Your Feet Daily
- Look for signs of redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, or sores. If you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member or friend for help.
2. Wash and Moisturize
- Gently wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Avoid soaking them for too long, as this can dry out your skin. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Don’t use moisturizer between the toes; it can potentially lead to fungal infections.
3. Wear Proper Footwear
- Look for shoes that offer adequate support, cushioning, and space to prevent blisters or pressure points.
- If needed, our podiatrists can recommend diabetic shoes that provide added protection.
- Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, to prevent accidental injuries.
4. Trim Toenails Carefully
- Trim straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, which can lead to infections.
5. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
- Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to further complications with your feet, so maintaining a healthy range will protect you from developing more severe issues.
6. Keep an eye on temperature changes:
- Due to poor circulation, you may not feel it when your feet are too cold or too hot.
- Avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures, like placing them on a heating pad or near a fire, which can lead to burns without you realizing.
We hope the info above helps you stay healthy, make good choices, and prevent any future issues. Please reach out if you have further questions.
At Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle, we want to educate our patients about podiatric problems so they can help us choose the right approach. Our team is dedicated to providing quality, up-to-date, and proven treatments in a friendly and comfortable setting. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment.