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Basic Diabetic Foot Care

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Community Foot Care understands how even minor foot problems are a big risk in diabetics.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day.

Here is Community Foot Care’s advice for taking care of your feet:

• Always keep your feet warm.
• Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.
• Don't put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace.
• Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don't soak your feet.
• Don't use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period.

As a diabetic, it is pertinent you have regular check-ups with your podiatric physician. Please call to schedule your diabetic consultation today with Community Foot Care.

Community Foot Care
Springfield: 937-322-7607
Dayton: 937-426-9500

Comments

Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
June 18, 2013 at 12:53 AM
Unknown said…
I would like to appreciate you for sharing these useful tips for the diabetic patients. Diabetic Patients should take care of their feet to preclude diabetic foot wounds.

Diabetic Foot Care Bethesda
June 18, 2013 at 1:08 AM
Unknown said…
Well, Washing feet daily with warm water and mild soap is really not an easy thing but somehow its better to wash feet instead of having any other problem.

Diabetic Foot Care Alexandria
August 30, 2013 at 10:56 AM
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