People with diabetes are at high risk for developing various foot problems, and even ordinary foot conditions can get worse and lead to serious, life-threatening complications. Generally these foot problems most often develop when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy, which results in loss of feeling in the feet. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of the feet or toes may also cause problems throughout a diabetic's lifetime. With all of that being said, understanding how to deal and detect foot problems if you have diabetes is imperative for preventing and treating complications if they do arise. If you are one of the millions of people in the U.S. with diabetes, remember to visit your Warwick podiatrist for regular foot examinations in order to maintain healthy feet and a strong body. Clean Feet Equal Healthy Feet Everyone needs to practice good foot hygiene daily, but people with diabetes should pay extra attention to keeping their feet clean in order to prevent health problems. Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. You should also keep the skin on your feet smooth and soft by applying a non-irritating moisturizer, avoiding the areas between the toes. Doing so can help prevent cracks and sores that lead to infection. Additionally, avoid ingrown toenails than can get infected by keeping them neatly trimmed. While it may be tempting, diabetic patients should never attempt to remove corns, calluses or other sores from their feet on their own. See a podiatrist for professional, safe and pain free removal. Proper Footwear Footwear also plays a vital role in the condition of a diabetic's feet. Avoid tight fitting shoes that restrict your feet and toes, and refrain from wearing sandals which expose your feet to harmful objects. Since people with diabetes can experience a loss of sensation, shoes should always be worn for protection against sharp and harmful objects. And don't forget about the socks! Always wear socks, changing them every day to help keep moisture away and blisters from forming. To keep your feet dry and prevent sweating throughout the day, sprinkle non-medicated powder into your socks before putting them on your feet. Regular Inspections and Podiatry Visits If you have diabetes, it's crucial to examine your feet every day and after every injury, regardless of how minor you may think the injury is. If you notice redness, swelling, persistent pain, numbness, tingling or any other unusual signs on any part of your foot, call your podiatrist in Warwick immediately as this could signify serious health problems. It's also recommended that people with diabetes see a foot specialist for annual examinations. A professional podiatrist can detect signs of changes, broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. He can also check your blood circulation, identify loss of sensation or detect areas of high pressure- all of which require professional medical attention. Diabetes is a serious illness that can cause serious problems with your feet and overall health. But with proper care and routine visits to your podiatrist, you can control and prevent complications from arising and minimize problems as they do in order to live a healthy, happy life.
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