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Approximately sixteen million Americans suffer from diabetes, while 25% will develop foot problems related to diabetes. Diabetic foot conditions tend to develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. It is essential that diabetics take the necessary precautions to prevent foot related injuries. Even minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that may not be known to a diabetic due to the inability to feel sensation, can cause serious harm to your feet. Daily observation of your feet is critical. When proper precautions and treatments are taken, you can reduce the risk of serious foot conditions. Having diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide range of foot problems. Take Care of your Feet To avoid serious foot problems that can result in more serious complications such as amputation, follow these guidelines:
• Inspect your feet daily
• Wash your feet in lukewarm water
• Be gentle when bathing your feet
• Moisturize your feet
• Cut nails carefully
• Never treat corns or calluses yourself
• Wear clean, dry socks
• Shake out your shoes and feel inside before wearing
• Never walk barefoot
• Take care of your diabetes
• Don't smoke
• Get periodic foot exams With a diabetic foot, small wounds such as a blister from wearing shoes that are too tight can cause severe damage. With diabetes, blood flow is decreased, which creates a slow healing process for injuries. You should inspect your feed on a daily basis, looking out for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness and nail problems. If you cannot see your feet yourself, get a friend or relative to help you or use a mirror.
Your Richmond Podiatrist Plays an Important Role Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects several different parts of the body. With this being said, proper case management requires a team approach from your doctor and podiatrist. Your podiatrist is vital in managing your symptoms because they have documented success in the prevention of amputation of your lower extremities. The key to preventing amputation is early recognition and regular at-home foot screenings and from your podiatrist.
With your annual check-ups to your Richmond podiatrist, you should be aware of the warning signs that could signal immediate attention. Some warning signs include:
• Changes in skin color
• Elevation in skin temperature
• Swelling of the foot or ankle
• Pain in the legs
• Open sores on the feet that slowly heal
• Ingrown and fungal toenails
• Bleeding corns and calluses
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially the heel Upon immediate recognition of any of these symptoms, it is vital that you contact your podiatrist in Richmond immediately. The sooner you bring attention to your ailments, the sooner your feet can be brought back to proper health and further prevention can be performed. Early prevention and treatment with the help of your podiatrist are critical in maintaining proper foot and ankle health. Begin taking precautions now to save your feet. If you are experiencing any of these problems contact your Richmond podiatrist at (804)285-3933.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Vantre, leading Richmond podiatrist. Dr. Vantre has been successfully treating his patients by providing the best in podiatric foot and ankle care to his patients in the Richmond area. Dr. Vantre is uniquely qualified to treat any traumatic, reconstructive, or congenital conditions of the foot, hind foot, ankle and lower leg, as well as diabetic foot care in Richmond.
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