Diabetic Foot Care for Beginners
Being diagnosed with diabetes is scary. Fortunately, millions of people around the world live with diabetes and still enjoy active lifestyles. As scary as the original diagnosis might be, there’s still a silver lining. Being diabetic allows you to start fresh and create healthy habits that will help you overcome any of the downsides of the condition. As a diabetic, it’s especially important that you take good care of your feet. In this blog, we’ll go over what you can expect from your feet as a diabetic and also how you can take care of them on a daily basis.
Avoid the Burn of Neuropathy
Research shows that prolonged spikes in blood sugar can cause nerve damage in diabetic patients, especially in their legs and feet. If you find that you’re experiencing a tingling or burning sensation in your feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy and should see a doctor right away. Other symptoms include:
Decreased sensitivity in feet
Loss of balance
Muscle weakness
Treat your Feet
To ensure healthy feet as a diabetic, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your regular foot care routine in order to avoid infections. Try introducing some of the following to your daily routine:
Wash daily – Keeping your feet clean will prevent infection-causing bacteria from gathering on your foot
Change your socks – You probably already do this every day, but in order to minimize the amount of moisture on your foot, you should change your socks any time they start to feel especially sweaty
Trim with caution – when you cut your nails, never trim too close to the cuticle. You should especially avoid pulling or tearing the nail as this could cause and ingrown toenail that may become infected
Find the Right Fit
As a diabetic, what you put on your feet is more important than ever. Choosing restrictive socks or unsupportive shoes can increase your chances of injury. Right after being diagnosed with diabetes, you should find a pair of custom orthotics or insoles to ensure your foot health.
Check with the Professionals
If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s a great time to develop a relationship with a podiatrist. Regular visits to the podiatrist can help you catch diabetic complications before they start. At Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, Dr. David Sullivan, DPM, is ready to meet with you as soon as possible to collaborate on a care plan based on your individual needs. Make an appointment today to stay walking happily for years to come.