Diabetic foot refers to the foot complications that arise as a result of diabetes. This condition encompasses a range of issues, from nerve damage or neuropathy to diabetic foot ulcers.
Diabetic foot is a critical concern that requires careful management and specialized care provided by a foot and ankle doctor or podiatrist to ensure the overall health of individuals with diabetes.
In this article, we are going to give you tips on how you can take better care of your feet and prevent diabetic foot related complications.
How To Take Care of a Diabetic Foot
It usually does not take anything special to take good care of your feet. If you are diabetic, you just need to know what to be on the lookout for and pay extra attention to any changes.
Here are some useful tips for caring for a diabetic foot:
#1 Do daily foot checks.
Make it a habit to examine and physically assess your feet every day. Use a mirror to get a clearer view of areas that are hard to see. Look for any skin and nail changes such as blisters or thickening. If you find any issues, let your podiatrist know.
#2 Make use of self-screening tools.
Use resources like the Diabetes Foot Health Self-Screening Tool to perform a comprehensive examination of your feet at home. This tool can help you track the condition of your feet and provide guidance on proper foot care.
#3 Follow appropriate foot care guidelines.
Tailor your foot care routine based on your level of risk for foot problems. If you have a higher risk, consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Keep your feet clean and dry them thoroughly, then follow it up with moisturizing lotion.
#4 Seek professional help for any changes.
If you notice any changes in your feet, such as pain or redness, or wounds that aren’t healing, it’s important to see your foot doctor right away. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure you receive proper treatment.
#5 Keep track of your doctor appointments.
Use a calendar or smartphone to note down the dates of appointments with your foot doctor.
Visits to a podiatrist may include comprehensive foot exams, which allow the doctor to identify issues before they get worse.
How To Prevent Diabetic Foot-Related Complications
Small issues can quickly progress into serious complications when you have diabetes. Below are some tips on how to help avoid them:
#1 Wear shoes that fit well.
Invest in supportive shoes on the recommendation of your podiatrist and with the help of a knowledgeable sales staff who can ensure a proper fit. Opt for low-heeled footwear and avoid shoes that rub or pinch your toes and the skin on your feet.
#2 Engage in daily physical activities.
Incorporate physical activities into your routine to improve blood flow in your feet and legs. Blood flow is essential to bring essential nutrients to your feet. Even simple exercises like wiggling your toes and moving your ankles for a few minutes multiple times a day can be beneficial, but don’t hesitate to follow the advice of your podiatrist or physical therapist for other exercises.
#3 Put your feet up.
When sitting, elevate your feet to reduce swelling and promote circulation. After a long day, do the same thing to help maintain foot health.
#4 Wear socks at night.
If your feet tend to get cold, wearing socks while sleeping can help keep them warm. When your feet are cold, the skin can become dry, which makes it easier for skin to break.
#5 Manage your blood sugar levels.
Keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range as advised by your doctor can help reduce the risk of foot complications, such as nerve damage.
#6 Address your smoking habit.
Smoking increases the risks to your feet, as it can impair circulation and delay the healing process even further.
#7 Consult a podiatrist.
If your foot structure puts you at greater risk of issues, for example, if you have high arches, you are at greater risk of bunions and hammertoe. A podiatrist can address the issue with custom orthotics and other recommendations to minimize the risk of developing other podiatry conditions that can complicate foot health.
Top Podiatrists in San Antonio, TX
For comprehensive diabetic foot management, choose the highly experienced podiatry team at The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Our foot and ankle surgeons are dedicated to advancing foot care and ensuring you have a high-quality patient experience in our facilities.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, we advise against delaying treatment. We have 14 locations in South Texas – call the clinic most convenient for you or use our online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to welcoming you to our podiatry office.
