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If you have diabetes, proper foot care is very important. Poor foot care with diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including the possibility of having to remove the foot or leg through amputation. It is important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. By taking proper care of your feet, most serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented. Inspect Your Feet Regularly 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 Scottsdale immediately as this could signify serious health problems. It's also recommended that people with diabetes see a podiatrist for annual checkups. A professional podiatrist in Scottsdale 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. Small Foot Problems Can Lead to Bigger Problems If you have diabetes, even the smallest foot problems such as a cut, can turn into more serious complications. Some of these small complications include: * Ulcers that don't heal
* Corns
* Calluses
* Cracked heels
* Hammertoes
* Bunions
* Ingrown toenails With these complications, you run the risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that develops slowly and worsens over time, and Charcot foot, which is a condition in which the bones of the foot are weakened enough to fracture. Taking extra precautions and caring for even the smallest problem can save your foot. Keep Your Feet Healthy with Proper Foot Hygiene 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. If you have diabetes: * Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
* 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.
* Avoid ingrown toenails than can get infected by keeping them neatly trimmed straight across.
* Wear clean, dry socks and change them every day.
* Avoid walking barefoot to protect feet from harmful foreign particles.
* Never attempt to remove corns, calluses or other sores from your feet on your own. See a podiatrist for safe and pain free removal. Early detection, simple care and regular inspections can go a long way to avoid serious foot complications related to diabetes. Diabetes is serious, especially when it comes to your feet. If you have diabetes, talk with your podiatrist in Scottsdale about what you can do now to keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy.
Dr. Mark Forman is an experienced board certified podiatrist, offering a wide array of foot and ankle care including medical pedicures in Scottsdale for healthy, happy feet. This highly qualified Scottsdale podiatrist provides treatment for Scottsdale diabetic foot care, medical pedicure, facials for your feet, and heel pain, among many other foot and ankle ailments.
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