How Should Diabetics Care For Their Feet?
While many people are aware of the common symptoms of diabetes, most fail to realize how this condition can impact the feet. Those with diabetes must constantly pay extra attention to their feet to ensure that they remain healthy. If you are a diabetic and are not sure what you can do to ensure optimal foot health, our staff at Cherrywood Foot Care, a podiatrist in Levittown, is prepared to offer some helpful advice.
How Does Diabetes Affect The Feet?
Among the most common ways that diabetes can negatively affect the feet include poor blood flow and nerve damage. Reduced blood flow makes it more difficult for an infection or cut to heal properly, and nerve damage reduces feeling in the feet so much so that a cut or infection may go completely unnoticed. Diabetics are also at an increased risk of developing other common foot problems such as athlete’s foot, fungal infection, calluses, blisters, bunions, ulcers, ingrown toenails, and many others.
How Should Diabetics Care For Their Feet?
Putting the extra time and effort into caring for your feet can make all the difference when suffering from diabetes. The best way to combat many foot problems that can arise from the symptoms associated with diabetes is to take all preventative measures possible. Among the methods of diabetic foot care recommended by our podiatrist in Levittown are:
- Inspect your feet daily, checking for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail abnormalities.
- Clean your feet gently using lukewarm water.
- Use a moisturizer on your feet, avoiding getting it between your toes as this could lead to a fungal infection.
- Cut your nails carefully straight across and not too short to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Wear clean, dry socks and consider wearing socks made specifically for diabetics.
- Do not smoke.
- Never walk barefoot.
- Get periodic foot examinations from our podiatrist in Levittown.
Contact Us Today!
If you have any sort of foot problem as a diabetic, it is important to reach out to a podiatrist in Levittown right away. It is important to treat what may be a common foot problem immediately before it turns into something much worse. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we are committed to providing patients with the highest quality care for any foot problems that may arise. If you have any questions regarding diabetic foot care or other foot conditions, be sure to contact us today to get the help you need!