Due to the low blood circulation, the feet get in people with diabetes, it is incredibly important for diabetics to keep their feet healthy in order to avoid amputation. Any type of cut, blister, infection, or wound must be treated promptly so that it does not worsen.
Diabetics must therefore always wear protective shoes and good socks that help to wick away moisture, as that can cause fungal or bacterial infections to flourish. If you have diabetes and your feet tend to sweat, it is a good idea to always have an extra pair of socks on hand.
Protecting the Diabetic Foot
Let’s talk about the ways – in addition to socks and shoes – in which you can best protect your feet if you have diabetes:
Inspect your feet daily. Check for blisters, cuts, redness, nail issues, and swelling. Use a magnifying glass and a hand mirror to examine the soles of the feet as well. If something unusual is present, contact the doctor right away.
Bathe your feet daily. Use lukewarm water, use a soft towel or sponge, and pay attention to the areas between the toes. If you take a shower at the gym after a workout, always wear sandals in the shower – even people who don’t have diabetes should do this, as the athlete’s foot fungus can easily spread via common shower floors. This fungal infection can be an extremely dangerous condition for a diabetic.
Moisturize your feet, but not between the toes. Moisture between the toes can bring the risk of various types of infections. Moisturize along the tops and bottoms of your feet.
Trim the toenails straight across. A hangnail or ingrown toenail could be devastating to your foot health. You may even want to ask someone else to trim your toenails in order to avoid cutting the skin.
Avoid wearing high heels or open shoes. Wear comfortable shoes that have plenty of room and lots of protection. It is best to wear shoes with thick soles in order to avoid injury in case you step on something. Do not wear shoes that create a lot of friction and could, therefore, cause a blister to form.
Causes of Foot Problems in Diabetics
Diabetes can affect the nerves in the foot, which can cause you to not feel an injury. Diabetes also has a negative impact on a person’s blood flow, which slows down healing. Minor foot injuries can quickly become a big problem for diabetics, so always check your feet or have someone do it for you.
Foot Doctor in Naples
If you are in the Naples area and have diabetes, our experienced medical team at the Joint Replacement Institute can give you a comprehensive checkup and show you how to perform regular self-foot checks. We specialize in orthopedic and podiatric care of all kinds.
If you or a loved one has a foot wound or a musculoskeletal issue, contact our team today at the Joint Replacement Institute by calling (239) 261-2663 or request an appointment online via our Patient Portal (for existing patients), and get the care your feet so desperately need!
