Diabetics can avoid foot problems and amputations that are due to diabetes. For more information, we have written an in depth article on Diabetes and how it affects your feet. If you have diabetes, please follow the diabetic foot care tips listed below. These steps will take you a long way toward healthy feet and helping you to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
- Keep your blood sugars tightly controlled. Work carefully with the doctor that treats your diabetes to accomplish this.
- Inspect your feet daily. Look for areas of redness, bruising, swelling or rashes. If you notice new problems, call our office. Most foot problems are easier to treat the earlier they are found. Daily foot inspections are even more important if a person has numb feet (neuropathy). Your eyes have to take the place of your ability to feel. If necessary, use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet. If you have trouble seeing your feet, have a family member or a friend do the inspections for you.
- Do not go barefoot. Wear shoes even in your home to help protect your feet. Make sure you wear shoes that are supportive and fit well. Click here for Tips on Buying Shoes
- Have your corns or calluses evaluated. If you have corns or calluses, call our office to arrange to have them evaluated and treated. Calluses and corns occur when there is an area that has too much pressure on it when you are standing and walking. These areas often lead to diabetic foot ulcers so it is very important to have corns and calluses treated.
- Use a skin moisturizer daily. Pay particular attention to applying lotion to the bottom of the feet. Do not put any moisturizer between your toes. We have an excellent moisturizer available in our office.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke….quit. Smoking causes arteries to become damaged. Additionally, each time you smoke, the nicotine you inhale causes blood vessels to constrict. This means even less blood is reaching the tissues in your feet.
- Perform some type of aerobic exercise daily. Good examples are running, walking, cycling and using an elliptical machine. Any exercise that uses your legs and elevates your heart rate will work. Be sure to check with your primary care doctor before starting an exercise program. If you have foot problems, ask one of our doctors which forms of exercise would be best for you.
Questions About Our Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Our doctors are experts in the evaluation and treatment of diabetes related foot problems. If you have a problem with your feet or questions about our Diabetic Foot Care Tips, please call us at (317) 573-4250 to schedule an appointment.