If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, scrupulous foot care is paramount to good health and staying active. Diabetes may reduce the nourishing blood supply to the feet and impair healing, decrease normal sensations and even cause sharp pain. A lack of feeling may prevent you from noticing an ulcer or potential infection. Follow these tips for the health of your feet from the Foot Doctor Fort Collins CO.
Inspect Your Feet Daily
Since the feeling in your feet may be desensitized from diabetes, it is important to examine them from between the toes and up to the heels daily. Report any broken skin, cracked callous or reddened areas of skin found on the feet. Ensure shoes are not cutting off circulation or causing indentations in the skin, especially around the instep and back of the heel. Receive treatment immediately to prevent further infection or worsening of the wound.
Wear Socks and Shoes
Protect your feet by always wearing socks with well-fitting shoes. Before trying on a new pair, check the inside of shoes for sharp edges or tightly gathered fabric. If you find it difficult to locate that perfect pair of shoes, have your foot doctor prepare customized shoes that will treat your feet well and keep your mobility unencumbered.
Bathe Your Feet in Warm Water
People with diabetes may not distinguish very hot from warm water. Always check the temperature of a bath or shower with your hands to be sure the temperature is safe from accidental burns. Carefully clean between the toes and dry each foot thoroughly. Avoid soaking feet for long periods of time that may cause breaks in the skin. Always wear appropriate shoes in public showers and around the pool to avoid contracting fungal
infections, such as Athletes Foot.
The Foot Doctor in Fort Collins CO
The most important part of caring for your feet is maintaining their health and avoiding the dangers of infection and the developing of ulcers. Untreated wounds in diabetics may lead to eventual amputations. Your foot doctor can safely manage or remove potential hazards for infection and ulcers, such as:
* Ingrown toenails
* Thickening calluses that crack open
* Customized shoes that prevent pressure points
* Medical management of existing foot ulcers
* Pain management of nerve pain or foot neuropathy
Follow these simple tips to stay active and protect your feet from injury, infection and pain.
