Diabetes impacts your entire body, from strain on your organs to problems with your skin. However, one of the most notable aspects is how it impacts your feet. If you have type one or type two diabetes, diabetic foot care is essential for your health.
How Diabetes Affects Feet
Diabetes can cause severe foot complications. Correct care is essential.
Diabetes damages both the nerves and blood vessels. While the effects of this can be felt anywhere in the body, they tend to first arise in the extremities — the feet and hands. Neuropathy causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to tell when your feet have become injured. Poor circulation makes it harder for injuries to heal.
Together, these allow the feet to become hurt and make it easier for severe infection to develop. This is why many people with advanced diabetes have to have their toes or feet amputated.
Essential Diabetic Foot Care
To care for your feet if you have diabetes, take the following steps:
- Check your feet every day, even twice a day. Do this even if they feel fine.
- If you see any issues, including blisters, cuts and redness, contact your podiatrist.
- Keep your feet clean by washing them in warm water.
- Aside from when you are washing, keep your feet dry.
- Apply lotion in the morning and in the evening.
- Never walk around barefoot.
- Make sure your shoes fit well. Avoid any that cause blisters.
- Keep your nails neatly trimmed.
- See your podiatrist regularly — at least twice a year.
If you are uncertain about how to care for your diabetic feet, the Shady Grove team is here to assist you. Contact us at 301-948-2995 or use our contact form to schedule your appointment.
