Diabetes affects millions of people every year and can often cause circulatory issues, leading to a myriad of other foot health complications. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended. At your routine podiatry visit, make sure to discuss with your doctor a plan of action to help protect your feet and remember to follow these daily steps:
- Inspect your feet daily – Holding a mirror up to the soles of your feet will make this easier, but if you’re unable to, ask someone to check your feet for you and ask yourself these questions:
- Is there any new pain, throbbing or lack of feeling?
- Do your feet feel hotter than usual?
- Are there any new areas of redness, inflammation or swelling?
- Is there any discharge?
- Is there a new smell from your foot?
- Do you have any flu-like symptoms?
- Keep your feet clean – Wash your feet every day in warm water and dry them well.
- Keep your feet soft – Put a thin layer of lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet (not between your toes). Dry skin can easily crack and peel, making it a target for infection.
- Nail Maintenance – It’s important to have your nails cut properly by a podiatrist every 2-3 months.
- Don’t go barefoot – Always wear socks and shoes to avoid the risk of stepping on something and make sure your shoes fit perfectly to avoid blisters.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Keeping up with a healthy diet and regular exercise is the key to keeping your feet in top form! Added weight puts pressure on the feet and leads to many common complaints such as foot or ankle pain.
- Don’t keep putting it off – If you’re suffering from any kind of foot or ankle injury, don’t hold off on seeing a podiatrist. Injuries left untreated can lead to poor healing, recurring pain, limited mobility, and development of other serious issues.
- Wear proper footwear – Diabetic footwear is specially constructed to protect your feet and provide superior comfort. Their extra-depth feature accommodates custom insoles and orthotics, as well as a firmer heel for stability and protection.
Interested in a pair of diabetic shoes? Schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists today to see if you qualify for shoes and inserts, which are often covered by Medicare. We offer a wide range of colors and styles for you to pick from in our office.
Click here to schedule an appointment online or call our office directly at (248)348-5300!
Author
Associated Podiatrists PC
